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Prime Minister Tony Blair led a tribute speech to former Labor MP Anne Clyde, who died Friday night at the age of 86, describing her as a “fearless and principled campaigner”.
Her family said she passed away peacefully at her home in Cardiff.
For 35 years, Ms Kweed headed the Cynon Valley in South Wales and was the oldest woman to hold a seat in the House of Commons before stepping down in 2019.
Ms Clyde was first elected to the Sinon Valley MP in the 1984 by-election and previously served in the European Parliament for five years as a Member of Parliament for Midwest Wales.
The former journalist held a series of front-line opposition posts, including Shadow Welsh Minister and Shadow Minister for International Development.
She worked behind the scenes on a campaign highlighting Saddam Hussein’s atrocities against Iraq’s Kurds and strongly supported the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Former Labor Party leader Sir Tony said: “Anne was a courageous, fearless and principled political activist who kept politics firmly connected with representation of the poor and oppressed everywhere in the world.
“She was undaunted and spoke out, whatever the personal or political cost.
“She fought lawsuits against people employed in the coal industry and persuaded the government to redress its failure to compensate former miners for the ill health they suffered in the mines.
“She was a passionate campaigner for better health care and typically used her experience to advocate for others.
“And having spent most of her life confronting the brutal crackdown on Iraq’s Kurds, she supported the removal of Saddam Hussein not only when it was relatively easy, but also when things got tough.
“I had great respect for her and am deeply saddened by her passing. A remarkable woman with a remarkable record of service to others.”
Welsh’s First Minister, Mark Drakeford, said, “She was a fearless campaigner, a champion of human rights and a pioneering woman politician. But perhaps more important than all of this was that she was a long and devoted servant of the people of Cynon Valley.”
“My thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time,” said Beth Winter, who succeeded Quidd as Sinon Valley MP.
“Her years of work for women’s rights, international justice and miners will be remembered.”
Welsh Health Minister Erned Morgan said: “Through decades of dedicated public service, she has shown tenacity and courage to face difficult challenges, fight for social justice and speak out for those in need.
“She was a true radical, influenced by her time in the European Parliament before becoming an important force at Westminster, her voice echoing in the corridors of power, calling for change and progress.
“Her legacy leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
“We will never forget her influence and contribution to Welsh national life.”
Joe Stevens, Labor MP for Cardiff Central and shadow Secretary of State for Wales, said: “Anne was truly a trailblazer for women, not just in Wales, but across the UK and abroad.
“Determined, passionate, fierce, stand-up, and a very strong character. Anne was also very kind, funny, and loyal to many of her friends and voters.
“When I arrived in Congress in 2015, she was very supportive of me, always taking time out to chat and give me wise advice. I will miss her. She was the one and only.”
Wales Secretary David TC Davis said of Mr Kweed: “She was an extraordinary legislator who was a champion for many causes. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.”
Senedo Conservative Party leader Andrew RT Davis added:
“She was a zealous servant of the people of Cynon Valley and will be sorely missed.”
Additional Report from the Press Association