Tributes paid to ‘people’s champion’ MEP Alex Falconer

FORMER Labour MEP Alex Falconer has died aged 72. He represented Mid Scotland and Fife in the European Parliament from 1984 to 1999.

Mr Falconer died on Sunday in Victoria hospital, Kirkcaldy, the Labour Party said.

Former prime pinister Gordon Brown, who used to share an office with him, said: “Alex Falconer was my friend and was one of the most dedicated and committed trade unionists and campaigning politicians that I have ever had the privilege to know and work with.

“Throughout his life he never stopped caring about people and standing up for fairness and against injustice wherever he saw it.

“Today I am thinking of his wife Margaret and his family.”

Born in Dundee, Mr Falconer was a former foundry worker and served nine years in the Royal Navy, before working as an insulator at Rosyth dockyard in Fife. He became a Transport and General Workers Union shop steward and chairman of Fife Trades Council.

Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont said: “I knew Alex Falconer for many years as a powerful champion for working people and a great advocate for tackling inequality.

“He will be sadly missed.”