Britain's oldest serving MP, Gerald Kaufman, dies at 86
Jeremy Corbyn pays tribute to Labour colleague who 'loved life and politics' and 'wanted to bring peace to the Middle East'

Politicians have paid tribute to Britain's oldest serving MP, Sir Gerald Kaufman, who has died at the age of 86.
The Labour veteran had been suffering from a "long-term illness" for several months, said his family, but "remained firmly committed to, and focused on, the activities and wellbeing of his beloved constituency", Manchester Gorton, which he had served since 1970.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said his colleague "came from a proud Jewish background" and "always wanted to bring peace to the Middle East".
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
He said he had travelled with Kaufman to many countries, adding: "He loved life and politics. I will deeply miss him, both for his political commitment and constant friendship."
Tributes have also come from Commons Speaker John Bercow, who called Kaufman an "outstanding representative" and a "passionate campaigner for social justice, here in Britain and around the world".
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell praised Kaufman's devotion to his constituents in Manchester Gorton.
"Kaufman's constituency is seen as one of Labour's safest seats and so the by-election resulting from his death is unlikely to cause any headaches for Corbyn," says The Guardian, despite the party leader's troubles after losing Copeland to the Tories last week.
Former Labour and Respect MP George Galloway tweeted: "Very sorry to hear of the death of Sir Gerald Kaufman MP. A brave man. RIP."
Conservative grandee and former chancellor Ken Clarke is now the new "Father of the House", the title given to the MP with the longest continuous service who is not a minister. Clarke was also elected in June 1970 but Sir Gerald held the title as he was sworn in first.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Does depopulation threaten humanity?
Talking Points Falling birth rates could create a 'smaller, sadder, poorer future'
-
New White House guidance means federal employees could be hearing more religious talk at work
The Explainer Employees can now try to persuade co-workers of why their religion is 'correct'
-
Real-life couples creating real-deal sparks in the best movies to star IRL partners
The Week Recommends The chemistry between off-screen items can work wonders
-
Are we facing a summer of riots?
Today's Big Question Anti-immigrant unrest in Essex has sparked fears of a summer of disorder
-
Who stands to gain – and lose – from 16-year-old voters?
Today's Big Question Many assume Labour will benefit but move could 'backfire' if Greens, a new hard-left party or Reform continue to pick up momentum
-
What difference will the 'historic' UK-Germany treaty make?
Today's Big Question Europe's two biggest economies sign first treaty since WWII, underscoring 'triangle alliance' with France amid growing Russian threat and US distance
-
Mortgage reform: is Rachel Reeves betting the house on City rules shake-up?
Today's Big Question Reforms could create up to 36,000 additional mortgages next year
-
Corbynism returns: a new party on the Left
Talking Point Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's breakaway progressive party has already got off to a shaky start
-
How will Labour pay for welfare U-turn?
Today's Big Question A dramatic concession to Labour rebels has left the government facing more fiscal dilemmas
-
Backbench rebellions and broken promises: is it getting harder to govern?
Today's Big Question Backbench rebellions and broken promises: is it getting harder to govern?
-
Labour's brewing welfare rebellion
The Explainer Keir Starmer seems determined to press on with disability benefit cuts despite a "nightmare" revolt by his own MPs