Brussels, 04/01/2006 (Agence Europe) - The president of the European Parliament, Josep Borrell, pays tribute in a press release to the British Labour member, Phillip Whitehead, who served as MEP since 1994, and who died on Saturday at the age of 68 (EUROPE 9101). “Phillip was a highly respected Member of this House for his hard work, both in the House and with his constituents, and for his strong and unwavering support for an active role for the UK in the European Union”, President Borrell stressed. He said his former colleague will be remembered for “bringing his experience and expertise on television to legislation on the media” (Mr Whitehead had been a television producer), and for his defence of the rights of consumers (he had formerly served as chairman of the committee on the internal market and consumer protection). “As a lifelong campaigner on consumer rights, (…) he will be remembered for the wisdom, political skill and good humour he brought to bear in dealing with the controversial and complex Services Directive”, Mr Borrell concluded.