Euro-pioneer Lord Rippon dies

Lord Rippon of Hexham, who was Edward Heath's right-hand man in negotiating Britain's entry into the European Community has died, aged 72, at his home in Bridgwater, Somerset, after a long illness.

Sir Edward said: "Geoffrey Rippon played an immensely important part in government, particularly as a member of the cabinet of my government from 1970 to 1974. He was responsible for handling the negotiations with the European Community which resulted in a successful conclusion of Britain's full membership." His death was "a great loss to the Conservative Party". Lord Rippon, who became a life peer in 1987, held a variety of posts - including Minister of Technology and Secretary of State for Environment. Obituary, page 14