Denis Healey was a giant of the Labour Party whose record of service to his party and his country stands as his testament.
He distinguished himself with his military service during the Second World War and continued that commitment to the British people as a Labour politician at the highest levels of government. His wit and personality transcended politics itself, making him one of the most recognisable politicians of his era.
Speaking personally, we had many interesting conversations when I was first elected to Parliament in 1983 and I found him a decent and very knowledgeable man who I enjoyed engaging with, particularly in his work as Shadow Foreign Secretary.
Labour is built on people with the commitment of those who devote their lives to public service, as Denis Healey did.
The thoughts of everyone in the Labour Party are with his family at this time.
