TONY BANKS

Early day motion 1320, tabled 9 January 2006 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 111 members.

That this House is deeply saddened by the sudden death of Lord Stratford, born Tony Banks in Belfast in 1943 and educated at schools in south London, and then York University and the London School of Economics and known as Banksie to colleagues and friends; notes that he was a key figure in the Labour movement and that his natural wit and fast tongue was loved by political friends and foes alike; recalls that he was a former sports minister and peer from the summer of 2005, an outspoken animal welfare advocate and chairman of the Works of Art Committee overseeing historic paintings and sculptures in Westminster; sends its sincerest condolences to friends and family; and notes that he will be sorely missed.

Signatures by party: Labour 77, Conservative 12, Liberal Democrat 12, DUP 5, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.