Brussels, 22/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - Sir Leon Brittan, Baron Brittan of Spennithorne, died on 21 January aged 75. A British Conservative party politician, Brittan served as a minister under Margaret Thatcher (1981-1986), as European Commissioner for Competition (1989-1993) and as European Commissioner for Trade (1993-1995) under Jacques Delors, then as European Commissioner for External Relations (1995-1999) under Jacques Santer.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said it was “with deep regret” that he had learned that “a dear friend for many” and “a strong advocate of the single market” had died. “A man of strong beliefs, a convinced European, he was skilful in translating political principles into action. In a globalising world, he saw the importance of keeping the European continent open to the wider world. That is what he believed in, fought for and achieved”, Juncker said. (EH)