Wigan's MPs react to Prince Philip's death

Wigan borough's politicians have reacted to the death of Prince Philip, which was announced by Buckingham Palace earlier today.
Prince Philip has died aged 99Prince Philip has died aged 99
Prince Philip has died aged 99

The Duke of Edinburgh died peacefully at Windsor Castle on Friday morning, at the age of 99.

Read More
Prince Philip has died aged 99, Buckingham Palace announces

Chris Green the MP for Bolton and Atherton West, was the first to react to the news. He said: “This is deeply sad news and my thoughts are very much with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“From being mentioned in Dispatches in the Second World War until present day, HRH Prince Philip has been a tireless public servant. He has been an inspiration to me and so many around the country who will be sharing in the grief of his passing.”

Yvonne Fovargue, the Labour MP for Makerfield, said: “I am saddened by the news of Prince Philip’s passing.

“He dedicated his life to Queen and country and my thoughts are with the Royal Family at this difficult time.”

Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester’s Mayor and Leigh’s MP from 2001 to 2017, said: “On behalf of the people of Greater Manchester, I want to convey our deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, her children, grandchildren and other members the Royal Family on the passing of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

Chris Green MPChris Green MP
Chris Green MP
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Prince Philip gave a lifetime of service to our country and was an ever-present in our lives at the side of the Queen, representing all our nations and regions at countless engagements over the years.

“He made many visits to our city-region and his work touched the lives of so many people here. For many years, Prince Philip acted as Chancellor of the University of Salford, from the time of its Royal Charter in 1967 right through to 1991. He remained a keen follower of the university thereafter, returning to meet new generations of students at the state-of-the-art MediaCity campus in 2012.

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s lifelong commitment to public service will be remembered with gratitude across Greater Manchester.”

Wigan's MP Lisa Nandy said: "I was saddened to learn of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Yvonne Fovargue MPYvonne Fovargue MP
Yvonne Fovargue MP
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"During a lifetime of service he made the time to visit Wigan on many occasions, most recently accompanying The Queen to the Heinz Factory in Kitt Green. His interest in our borough was always warmly appreciated by those who met him.

"One of his great and lasting achievements was the Duke of Edinburgh's Award which has given so much confidence to generations of young people. Every year young people across Wigan continue to benefit from the work he started.

"Across the entire borough, our thoughts are with The Queen and the Royal Family."

Councillor Steve Dawber, the mayor of Wigan borough, said: "It is with great sadness that we receive the news that His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has passed away.

Andy Burham, Mayor of Greater ManchesterAndy Burham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
Andy Burham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"On behalf of Wigan borough, I would like to express our condolences to the Royal Family and join the nation, and people around the world, in mourning his loss.

"Flags have been lowered to half-mast on our public buildings."

A book of condolence will be available at Wigan Parish Church tomorrow, Saturday April 10, from 11am to 1pm. An online book of condolence is also being set up.

Leigh's MP James Grundy said: "I was tremendously saddened to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip this morning, after a period of illness.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"As a Second World War Royal Navy veteran, he was one of the last links to the generation that fought so hard to secure the freedom of our nation.

"He was also a stalwart supporter and devoted husband to Her Majesty the Queen, and he served as a foundation stone of stability for the monarchy in a world that has changed radically since the time of his birth, nearly a hundred years ago.

Lisa Nandy MPLisa Nandy MP
Lisa Nandy MP

"Like many other British citizens, Prince Philip may not have been born in Britain, having originally been a Prince of both Greece and Denmark, but by his service, duty, and loyalty to our nation and our Monarch over many decades, it became impossible for anyone to think of him as anything else but thoroughly British by the time of his passing.

"On behalf of my constituents in Leigh, I should like to express my sincere condolences to Her Majesty and her family for their loss at what is surely a time of great difficulty and sorrow for them."

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers.