It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the death of Lord Alan Haselhurst.

His remarkable contribution to CPA UK, and to the wider Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, will be remembered with gratitude and appreciation.

Lord Haselhurst served as Chair of CPA UK from 2010 and went on to become Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Executive Committee in July 2011, at the 57th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in London. He held this position until October 2014.

Lord Haselhurst had a long and distinguished parliamentary career, serving as the Conservative MP for Saffron Walden for 40 years from 1977. He was knighted in 1995 and later served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, CPA UK Co-President, said:

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Lord Haselhurst, a distinguished parliamentarian who served for decades, including as my predecessor as Chairman of Ways and Means and Chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Chair of CPA UK Kate Osamor said:

“Lord Haselhurst was a hugely respected parliamentarian and gave many years to help the Commonwealth prosper. I feel enormously privileged to follow in his footsteps. I know he believed in the unique strength of the Commonwealth and helped parliamentarians play their part in promoting democracy across nations. CPA UK is hugely grateful for his many years of dedicated and hands-on service. We will miss him, and our thoughts are with his family.”

Lord Haselhurst with Tracy Cohen from the Jamaican Parliament, 2011.