"Rachel Squire was a wonderful MP and a caring friend and colleague: a great servant to the people she represented and a woman who showed quiet concern and compassion for others, even amidst her own suffering. Even when she knew she was dying, her first thoughts were for others in need."

"Rachel Squire was not only a good constituency MP but a marvellous supporter of our armed forces. She played a prominent role in defence matters in parliament and was a long time member of the defence select committee."

"Rachel always thought about others before herself and that was the case even in the final months of her life. She was modest, hard-working and committed to the people of Dunfermline and West Fife - if only there were more people like Rachel in politics."

"Rachel was extremely thoughtful and was interested in political principles. She was a joy to work with."

"Rachel Squire will be remembered as a hard-working, diligent MP who was widely respected across the political spectrum. Rachel was a constant campaigner on important constituency issues and her contributions in the Commons were invariably positive and constructive."

"We are all deeply saddened by Rachel's death after a long struggle with serious illness. Her courage in dealing with ill health while doing a first class job as MP for Dunfermline and West Fife has been remarkable."

"Rachel leaves behind a legacy of 30 years of service as a public sector worker, trade unionist and Member of Parliament. The thoughts of everyone in the Labour Party are with her friends and family."

"Rachel has been a standard bearer for a number of great causes, in particular women's representation in the House of Commons and I am sure her name will remain a standard bearer for that particular cause well into the future.

"I think everyone who knew Rachel had a great deal of admiration for the way she coped with her illness."

"She worked extremely hard to protect and secure the defence jobs at Rosyth and the fact that many families now have a secure future is due in no small part to the influence that Rachel brought to bear with the ministry. As a member of Rachel's constituency it was obvious that she really was held in the highest regard by local people and she was much loved and respected by many of them."

"It is terrible news. Rachel had a reputation as a caring and hard-working MP, as well as a considerate, conscientious person."

"Rachel was there for Rosyth workers at their time of need. She led the battle with Gordon Brown in parliament to save the dockyard. The people of Rosyth and the T&G will never forget the tremendous efforts she made in that campaign. She will be sadly missed."

"Rachel Squire was a great friend of the industry and a tireless fighter for the interests of miners and mining communities throughout Fife. She always put the interests of others first. Today, our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends as they come to terms with this sad loss."