Sir David English 1931 -1998

The PCC was shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden death of Sir David English in June 1998. Sir David had served as an editorial member of the PCC from 1993 until his death - during which time he was also Chairman of the Editors' Code Committee. At its first meeting after his death, the Commission offered this tribute:

"David was a stalwart of the Press Complaints Commission, and a champion of effective self regulation. He saw quite clearly that this was the only way to ensure the maintenance of a free, responsible press - a cause he defended with vigour throughout his life. His contribution to the Commission was huge - and the transformation in the prospects for self regulation during his time on it was in no small part down to him. Members of the Commission have lost a fine colleague and a great friend, who enlivened our meetings not just with his razor sharp knowledge of newspapers, but also with his effervescent wit. His was a contribution it will be impossible to replace."