Tributes have been paid to Bryan Cassidy who was the MEP for Dorset East and Hampshire West in the 1980s and 1990s.

Mr Cassidy died on Tuesday, August 8, surrounded by his family.

He was the MEP for Dorset East and Hampshire West from 1984-1994. 

Hampshire West included: New Forest East and West constituencies; and Romsey and Waterside.

Roy Perry knew him well as MEP for Hampshire South and leader of Test Valley Borough Council.

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Mr Perry said: “Bryan was a committed pro European and an influential MEP particularly contributing to the creation of the single European market.

“When I joined the European Parliament at the elections in 1994, Bryan encouraged me to become a member of the Kangaroo Group which had been founded by another Hampshire MEP, Basil de Ferranti and was committed to the breaking down of artificial trade barriers across Europe. 

“Companies that now try to trade with EU, with all the form filling that is necessary are beginning to appreciate what has been lost by leaving the EU.”

Bryan Cassidy: 1934 -2023.