Tony Benn, Veteran Labour Politician, Seriously Ill In Hospital

Tony Benn, the veteran Labour politician, is seriously ill in hospital. The 88-year-old is spending his fourth night in care having been admitted over the weekend.

Benn, who served as a Cabinet Minister under Harold Wilson and James Callaghan, entered parliament in 1950 and in a distinguished career oversaw the development of Concorde before being narrowly beaten in the Labour Party's 1981 leadership battle.

A family spokesman said: "Tony Benn was taken to hospital on Saturday evening after feeling unwell. He is currently receiving treatment."

Despite stepping down from Parliament in 2001, Benn remained a staunch opponent of the Gulf War, and has continued to give his regular speech at the Glastonbury festival.

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