Jeremy Corbyn pays tribute to the late Stan Newens

The former Labour party leader said he was “so sad” at the passing of a friend “who gave his life to social justice”.

Stan Newens represented Epping as MP from 1964 to 1970 and Harlow from 1974 to 1983.

He was born in Bethnal Green in 1930 and was educated at Buckhurst Hill County High School – he was the first alumni from the school to become an MP.

A conscientious objector against National Conscription during the Second World War, Mr Newens was sent to work as a coalminer in North Staffordshire where he joined the National Union of Miners (NUM).

“Stan was very much a self-taught historian and a brilliant teacher in schools in Hackney before he became the Member of Parliament for Epping, in 1964. During the parliaments up to 1970 he was a trenchant critic of the Vietnam war, and a great supporter of peace and social justice.”, said Jeremy Corbyn.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has led tributes to Stan Newens. Photo: PA

“He returned to parliament as MP for Harlow and knew and loved every blade of grass, every tree, every paving stone, and every turning in his much-loved hometown. He later wrote a wonderful history of Essex, along with many other historical works that he undertook.”

Independent Loughton councillor, Stephen Murray joined in paying tribute to a “good friend” of his family.

“Really sorry to hear about this. A lovely person and a gentle giant of a man”, he said.

“I know not everyone would share his politics, but I certainly did, a great socialist who always did his best to represent his constituents.”

Former Labour MP and MEP Stan Newens with Fidel Castro in Cuba.

Harlow councillor Chris Vince described Mr Newens as "a giant of politics in Harlow" and "a great servant to our town and to our movement".

Mr Newens went onto become an MEP for London Central between 1984 and 1999.

“Whilst an MEP Stan did so much to speak up for the people of Iraq, Iran, and so many other places. He bought a sense of humanity and internationalism to all of the debates he spoke in”, said Mr Corbyn.

Stan Newens at book launch ion North Weald in 1985.

“Stan had personal sadness when his first wife Anne died at a young age”, the Islington North MP continued.

“His marriage to Sandra has been long and happy and I send my deepest condolences go to all the family.

“It was my honour to host a 90th birthday party for Stan in the Leader of the Opposition’s office in February 2020.”

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