Tony Benn, the veteran Labour politician, has died at the age of 88.
The former cabinet minister, who served as an MP for more than 50 years, died at his home in west London surrounded by family members.
In a statement his children Stephen, Hilary, Melissa and Joshua said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that our father Tony Benn died peacefully early this morning at his home in west London surrounded by his family.
“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the NHS staff and carers who have looked after him with such kindness in hospital and at home.
“We will miss above all his love which has sustained us throughout our lives. But we are comforted by the memory of his long, full and inspiring life and so proud of his devotion to helping others as he sought to change the world for the better.
“Arrangements for his funeral will be announced in due course.”
David Cameron was joined by politicians from all parties in paying tribute to Mr Benn.
“Tony Benn was a magnificent writer, speaker and campaigner,” the Prime Minister said. “There was never a dull moment listening to him, even if you disagreed with him.”
Ed Miliband, the Labour leader, paid tribute to an “iconic figure of our age”.