Dick Taverne

Official portrait of Lord Taverne crop 2

Dick Taverne, Baron Taverne, QC (born 18 October 1928) is a British politician, barrister, and member of the House of Lords. He has been a prominent figure in British public life for several decades, known for his advocacy of science, rationalism, and evidence-based policy making. Taverne's political career is notable for his independent stance, having been elected to the House of Commons as an independent candidate following a significant disagreement with his original party, the Labour Party.

Early Life and Education

Dick Taverne was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, then part of the Dutch East Indies, to Dutch parents. He moved to the United Kingdom for his education, attending Charterhouse School before going on to study at Balliol College, Oxford, where he read Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE).

Career

Political Career

Taverne's political career began with his election as the Labour MP for Lincoln in 1962. During his time with the Labour Party, he served in various capacities, including as Financial Secretary to the Treasury. His tenure in this role was marked by his commitment to applying rational and scientific principles to economic policy.

In 1972, Taverne resigned from the Labour Party due to a conflict over the party's stance on the European Economic Community (EEC), which he strongly supported. This led to a by-election in Lincoln in 1973, where Taverne stood as an independent candidate under the banner of "Democratic Labour" and won, showcasing his popularity and the respect he commanded among his constituents.

However, his time as an independent MP was short-lived, and he did not win re-election in the February 1974 general election. Following his departure from the House of Commons, Taverne's focus shifted towards the legal profession and public advocacy, particularly in the realms of science and rationalism.

Legal Career and Public Advocacy

As a barrister, Taverne took on a variety of cases, further establishing his reputation for rigorous, evidence-based argumentation. His legal career was complemented by his involvement in various organizations promoting science and rational thought, including the foundation of the Sense about Science charity, which aims to promote understanding and use of scientific evidence in public discourse.

House of Lords

In 1996, Taverne was appointed to the House of Lords as a Life peer, taking the title Baron Taverne, of Pimlico in the City of Westminster. In the Lords, he has continued to advocate for science and rational policy making, contributing to debates on a wide range of issues from genetic modification to climate change.

Personal Life

Taverne has been married twice and has children from his first marriage. He has been open about his journey from being a member of the Labour Party to becoming an advocate for liberal and rationalist causes, reflecting his belief in the importance of evidence over ideology.

Legacy

Dick Taverne's legacy is that of a politician who placed a premium on rationality, evidence, and the scientific method in public policy. His career path, from a Labour MP to an independent and then a life peer, illustrates his commitment to these principles over party politics or personal gain.