Sir Patrick Duffy, a former Labour MP and defense minister, has passed away at the age of 105 after a brief illness. He was known to be the longest-living former MP in the UK. Described as a living historical repository, Sir Patrick had notable encounters with prominent figures such as Clement Attlee.
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and honored with a papal knighthood from Pope John Paul II, Sir Duffy survived a plane crash during World War II in the Orkney Islands while serving in the Fleet Air Arm. His resilience was evident when he endured freezing conditions for 24 hours after the crash, requiring extreme measures to administer morphine due to his frozen arm.
Having entered Parliament in 1950 and later serving as an MP for Colne Valley and Sheffield Attercliffe until his retirement in 1992, Sir Patrick was recognized for his outspokenness, notably challenging Margaret Thatcher over the death of Bobby Sands. Despite their differences, he later shared tea with Thatcher during his tenure as president of the Nato Assembly.
Described as an extraordinary individual with a remarkable legacy, Sir Patrick’s passing leaves behind a void felt by his family, friends, and admirers. His life was marked by significant accomplishments, fondly remembered for his wit, kindness, and vivid recollection of events spanning a century. Sir Patrick will be dearly missed for his contributions and the impact he made during his lifetime.