Labour peer dies after suffering from cancer

Labour peer Lord Corbett of Castle Vale, died on Saturday aged 78, after suffering from cancer.

He was better known as Robin Corbett, a leading figure on the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, and serving in several front-bench posts in opposition.

Over a long and distinguished career, he was opposition spokesman on home affairs (1979-1992), then for national heritage, broadcasting and press until 1995. He was a Labour Party Whip from 1984 until 1987 and chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee from 1999 to 2001, when he became a life peer.

A family source said: “Robin Corbett was the most formidable chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, chair of the All Party Penal Reform Group and chair for the last six years of the Labour peers’ group in the House of Lords.

“But perhaps more significant, say his family, was his life-long opposition to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, which encapsulated his passion for human rights in all spheres.”

Labour MP Denis MacShane said: “A big, warm, reliable friend, he was one of the best Labour MPs over many years and was active on his causes in the Lords.”