Former Labour MP and defense minister Sir Patrick Duffy has passed away at the age of 105 after a brief illness. He was known as the longest-living former MP in the UK. Kevin Meagher, a close family friend who co-authored his second book, described Sir Patrick as a walking history book, able to vividly recount encounters with notable figures like Clement Attlee.
Sir Duffy, who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and received a papal knighthood from Pope John Paul II, survived a plane crash during World War II while serving in the Fleet Air Arm. Recalling the incident, Meagher mentioned how Sir Patrick endured extreme conditions for 24 hours before being rescued, showcasing remarkable resilience.
Having entered Parliament in 1950, Sir Patrick won his first election in 1963 and served as an MP until his retirement in 1992. Notably, he criticized Margaret Thatcher in 1981 for the death of Bobby Sands, a move that drew attention. Despite their differences, Thatcher and Sir Patrick later shared tea, especially during his tenure as president of the Nato Assembly in the 1980s.
In a statement penned by Meagher and endorsed by Sir Patrick’s family, he was hailed as an extraordinary individual with a wealth of achievements. His legacy of kindness, humor, and sharp memory will be dearly missed by loved ones of all generations. Sir Patrick’s life was one of great success, earning him the respect of peers and the affection of many.