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Former Hull North MP Kevin McNamara, who served his constituents for almost 40 years, has died at the age of 82 after a short illness.

Elected to Parliament for Labour in 1966 following the death of the previous MP, Henry Solomons, Mr McNamara retained his seat at ten successive general elections before he stepped down in 2005.

In a statement released by his family on Sunday, Mr McNamara's family said that he had fallen ill while on holiday in Spain at the end of last month.

He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer while in the Hospital de Torrecardenas in Almerìa, even though he had experienced no symptoms.

He was medically evacuated back to the UK by air ambulance and spent two nights in hospital in Southport, before returning to his home in Formby, Merseyside, where he died surrounded by his family.

Announcing his death with "great sadness", they said: "Kevin's family wishes to thank all those in Carboneras and Almeria - including medical staff, cleaners and caterers, and the local Catholic clergy - for their professionalism, care and consideration.

"The family would also like to recognise the smooth administrative process in Spain, delivered through the EHIC system.

"Thanks are also due to the Free Spirit insurance company for facilitating Kevin's desired return from Spain, and to all the NHS medical and other staff, including district nurse and the palliative care team, in Southport and Formby.

"Funeral arrangements will be advised in due course, and the family respectfully asks for privacy at this time."

A practising Catholic throughout his life, Mr McNamara became known as a passionate supporter of reunification for Ireland, and served as Labour's Northern Ireland spokesman under the leadership of Neil Kinnock and John Smith.

A father-of-five, he received an honorary degree from the University of Hull in 2006 in recognition of his political career.

After he stepped down as an MP in 2005, his seat was won by fellow Labour politician Diana Johnson, who remains the MP today.

Diana Johnson paid tribute to him, writing on Twitter: "Sad to hear Kevin McNamara has died. Respected Hull MP from 1966 to 2005 with passionate commitment to social justice and human rights. RIP"

Leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn said: "Very sad to hear of Kevin McNamara's death. He was a lovely man, who won historic 1966 Hull North by-election. My thoughts with his family."

Current Hull East MP Karl Turner paid tribute to Mr McNamara, posting on Twitter: "Sorry to hear that former MP for Hull North Kevin McNamara passed away earlier today. He was widely respected and will be missed greatly."

Fellow Labour MP Connor McGinn said: "In 40 years in Parliament was a strong advocate for civil rights, peace and an agreed Ireland, and a doughty campaigner against injustice and discrimination.

"Kevin will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a politician of faith and conviction, and a good man who never wavered in his long pursuit of peace, justice and equality."