Colin Hart, Director of The Christian Institute, said today:

"Lady Young was a person of tremendous Christian integrity and courage.

I have had the great privilege of working with her for the past seven years on many Christian issues.

Lady Young was a formidable campaigner and a great parliamentarian. Not only did she stand up for family values in an increasingly secular political world, she did so in a way which was thoroughly Christian.

In 2001 she was awarded the Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year Award and the Channel 4 Peer of the Year Award. It is significant to note that these awards came following her very public campaigns against the lowering of the age of homosexual consent and the repeal of Section 28. She stood up for what was right and endured much criticism for doing so, yet she earned the respect even of those with whom she disagreed.

Her own very happy family life was a great testimony to her Christian belief in marriage.

During her illness Lady Young was always concerned with the needs of others rather than herself. She was a very unselfish person. She had a long life of public service and close involvement with many charities.

Though she had been very ill, Lady Young had very much hoped to take part in the forthcoming debates on the Adoption and Children Bill. Sadly, this was not to be.

Lady Young used to say that she was a Christian because of the resurrection of Christ. During her illness she was sustained by her Christian faith and the love and support of her family.

The Trustees and all the Staff of the Christian Institute thank God for her life and witness. We remain dedicated to those tasks to which she committed herself so faithfully."

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Note for Editors:

The Christian Institute, Registered Charity No 100 4774 seeks to promote the Christian faith in the UK.
Registered Office : 26 Jesmond Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PQ

For more information contact : Colin Hart on : 0191 281 5664