Today, the Requiem Mass of Ann Widdecombe, the former Member of the UK Parliament and Government minister, has taken place at Buckfast Abbey, where she was a regular worshipper.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:

“On behalf of the Bishops of Scotland, I offer our prayerful condolences to Ann’s family, friends and all who mourn her today. We join them in commending Ann’s soul to the loving mercy of God.

“Ann was a woman of sincere Catholic faith, sustained by prayer and the sacraments and was happy for her faith to be known publicly.’

“We pray that Christ welcomes her into the peace of His Kingdom.”