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'Laughter and tears' at Tony Benn's funeral in Westminster

The funeral has taken place of veteran Labour politician Tony Benn just yards from the House of Commons where he spent more than 50 years. Mourners said there were "laughter and tears" during the service.

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Tony Benn's coffin arrives in Westminster

Tony Benn's coffin arrived in Westminster tonight as he made his final visit to Parliament.

The former Labour cabinet minister's body lay in rest in Parliament's Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, as family gathered round for a private ceremony to mark his death.

Tony Benn's coffin is carried into Parliament's Chapel of St Mary Undercroft. Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

His children Stephen, Hilary, Melissa and Joshua were among around 30 close relatives who attended the service conducted by the Speaker of the House of Commons' Chaplain Rose Hudson-Wilkin in the crypt chapel.

The chapel has been also been briefly opened up to MPs, peers and passholders to allow them to pay their respects ahead of tomorrow's funeral.

Veteran Labour politician Tony Benn pictured in 2012. Credit: Press Association.

Mr Benn's funeral will take place tomorrow at 11am opposite parliament at St Margaret's Church after his coffin is taken by hearse from the gates of New Palace Yard, with family members following on foot.

A memorial meeting will be held later in the year.

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