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News 20th October 2003 Conservative MEPs salute Lord Bethell on his retirement as an MEP & welcome his successor, Ian Twinn "Nicholas is one of those politicians who has made a real difference during his political career." said John Bowis MEP, Deputy Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament, following the recent retirement of Nicholas Bethell as an MEP for London. Lord Bethell was first nominated to the European Parliament in 1975. He was then elected as the Conservative MEP for London North-West between 1979 and 1994 before being returned to Brussels as an MEP for London in 1999. He has been a member of the House of Lords from 1967. Following his retirement, Ian Twinn has replaced him as a Conservative MEP for London. John Bowis MEP said: "Nicholas Bethell was instrumental in bringing out of the Soviet Union the Solzhenitsyn works and securing the release of Sakharov, as well as establishing the rights of the people of Gibraltar and breaking the air monopoly which led to the launching of low-cost airlines." Theresa Villiers MEP said, "Nick's untiring work has had an important impact on our daily lives. Thousands of passengers on budget airlines have him to thank for his 'freedom of the skies' campaign which was the prelude to the liberalisation of air transport in Europe." Dr Charles Tannock MEP said, "I pay special tribute as one of the MEPs who has taken a special interest in Gibraltar to Lord Bethell's very special role for over 30 years in defending the rights of Gibraltarians to pursue their unique way of life in the face of fierce opposition from Spain and now sadly from our own UK Government." Richard Balfe MEP said, "The Conservative Party and our Delegation in the European Parliament salute an impressive parliamentarian. We are all greatly saddened by Nicholas Bethell's forced retirement through ill-health. However, we would like to take this opportunity to welcome Ian Twinn to our ranks. I am sure that he will be a much valued and important member of the London team." |
Lord Bethell addressing the Group of the European People's Party & European Democrats, 21st October 2003. Lord Bethell was presented with the Group's prestigious Robert Schuman Medal.
John Bowis pictured with Lord Bethell.
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