John Hume was a 'beacon of light' Keir Starmer tells British House of Commons

Louise Haigh, the shadow secretary of state for the north, acknowledged the former SDLP leader's death last month, during Northern Ireland questions at Westminster.

"Can I begin by reflecting that this summer we lost the great John Hume, a peace campaigner and politician who more than any other is responsible for the peace these islands enjoy today?

"I'm sure the whole house will join me in sending our deepest condolences to his extraordinary wife Pat, his family and our friends in the SDLP," she said.

The Secretary of State Brandon Lewis concurred, stating: "I was honoured to be able to attend the funeral which was a great example of how something could be done so sensitively, delicately and appropriately even at a difficult time such as COVID and it was a real honour to be there."

Labour leader Keir Starmer said: "Can I also begin by paying tribute to John Hume who passed away during recess? John was a beacon of light in the most troubled of times. He will be seriously missed."

Ian Blackford, the Scottish National Party (SNP) leader at Westminister described Mr. Hume as "a man who did so much for the delivery of peace on the island of Ireland."