Family’s thanks
as Benn kept
in hospital

Mr Benn, 88, was taken to hospital for treatment and tests on Wednesday afternoon, on the advice of his GP, and is said to be resting comfortably after undergoing tests.

Mr Benn’s son Hilary is a Labour frontbencher and MP for Leeds Central.

He thanked people for asking about his father.

In a post on Twitter at the weekend, the Leeds MP said: “Thanks to all of you who have kindly sent your best wishes to my Dad – much appreciated.”

Lord Prescott, former Deputy Prime Minister, is among those to have sent messages via the social network, tweeting: “Wishing Tony Benn a speedy recovery”.

Mr Benn was a Labour MP for 50 years, having renounced his peerage to retain his Commons seat, and challenged for the deputy leadership of the party in 1981.

The former Chesterfield MP stood down from Parliament in 2001 but has remained active in politics and is a popular public speaker. He is also president of the Stop the War campaign,

His wife Caroline died of cancer in 2000.