Tributes to Alan Keen from across the political spectrum

Labour MP Alan Keen has passed away – here are just some of the tributes that have been paid to him today. We’ll bring you more as we have them.

Ed Miliband MP:
“Alan Keen was a decent, generous man and his death is a great loss to the House of Commons and the people of Feltham and Heston. Alan was Labour to his core – loyal, passionate about social justice and deeply committed to a fairer society. A dedicated football fan, Alan continued to play for the parliamentary football team until his illness took hold. He was a great believer in the power of sport to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds make the best of their lives. Alan was great friend to me and he will be sorely missed by all.”

Gordon Brown MP:
“I salute his bravery in facing cancer – fighting it as long as he could – and he will be remembered as someone who taught us how to fight illness.”

Alison McGovern MP:
“So very sorry to hear that Alan Keen has died. A true gentleman, who gave so much. All of us who care about football owe him a great deal.”

Louise Mensch MP:
“His passionate love of football shone out all through our recent inquiry into the sport’s governance. He loved life and was a wonderful man.”

Alastair Campbell:
“Unlike many politicians who like to talk about football, Alan knew what he was on about. He always knew the score of Burnley’s last game, which should of course be common knowledge amongst all humanity but alas tends to be confined to a minority. He had been a scout with Middlesbrough, the team he supported all his life. In fact the last time I saw him, he came up to me and said the single word ‘jealous’ – because a while ago I had played in a charity match at the club’s Riverside stadium.”

“It is not unknown for MPs to switch football allegiance when they get a seat away from their home base, but Alan never lost the Boro blood coursing through his veins. He went to Brentford not just because they were his local team when he moved to London, but more because he could watch football all day long.”

Andrew Harrop, General Secretary, Fabian Society:
“Alan Keen was a committed member of the Fabian Society and his contribution will be sorely missed. Our thoughts go out to Ann, the rest of his family and his many friends at this difficult time.”