Commons expresses sympathy for Cameron
Wednesday, 25 February 2009 12:00 AM
By Jonathan Moore
MPs spoke of their deep sorrow at the news of the death of Conservative leader David Cameron's son today as the House of Commons suspended prime minister's questions as a mark of respect.
Prime minister Gordon Brown offered his condolences and said the whole of the country would be thinking of them in this difficult time.
"I know that the whole house will want to express our sorrow at the death this morning of Ivan Cameron," he said.
"I know that in an all too brief young life he brought joy to those around him, and I know also that for all the days of his life he was surrounded by his family's love."
He added that while politics can sometimes divide them, they were united in their sympathy for the Cameron family.
Shadow foreign secretary William Hague then thanked the prime minister for his kind words and wishes.
He said he had spoken to Mr Cameron who had passed on his thanks to all those who have sent condolences.
"Ivan's six years of life were not easy ones, his parents lived in the knowledge he could die young," said Mr Hague.
"He brought joy and love to those around him."
He added: "He will always be their beautiful boy."
He said Mr Cameron had also wished to thank the many NHS workers who had been so helpful and worked so hard.
And he said we should remember too the thousands of families who are also deeply grateful for the work of such dedicated staff.
Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman Vince Cable said both he and his party had only the deepest sympathy for the Cameron family.
"There something especially sad and shocking about the loss of a child," he said.
"I would simply express the hope that the family are given the space and the privacy to cope and deal with tragedy."
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