Dick Taverne, London – Obituary Dick Taverne** passed away peacefully at his home in **London** at the age of 97, marking the close of an extraordinary chapter in **British political history**. His long and distinguished career was defined by integrity, independence, and an unyielding commitment to public service.
Taverne’s passing represents not only the loss of a seasoned statesman but also the departure of a voice that championed reason, moderation, and reform in British politics for more than half a century.Born in 1928, **Richard “Dick” Taverne** began his career in law before entering Parliament as the **Labour MP for Lincoln**
in 1962. Over the years, he became known for his intelligence, pragmatism, and courage to stand by his convictions — even when it meant challenging his own party. In the 1970s, following policy disagreements, he took the rare step of resigning from Labour and successfully defending his seat as an **independent candidate**, a move that demonstrated his belief in representing people over party politics.
His political philosophy, rooted in liberal democracy and evidence-based policy, paved the way for his later role in helping to establish what would eventually become the **Liberal Democrats**. Appointed to the **House of Lords** in 1996 as **Baron Taverne of Lincoln**, he continued to advocate for rational policymaking, science-driven governance, and cross-party collaboration well into his later years.
Beyond politics, Lord Taverne was an articulate advocate for **science and reason**, founding **Sense About Science**, a charity dedicated to promoting scientific literacy in public debate He will be remembered not only for his service to Parliament but also for his steadfast belief in truth, fairness, and integrity. Dick Taverne leaves behind a legacy of courage, intellect, and optimism — one that continues to inspire a new generation of public servants and thinkers.
