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Tributes paid to 'a true Humber champion'

Charis Scott-HolmEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
Hull City Council A black and white picture of a man with glasses and thinning hair. He is smiling and crossing his arms. He is wearing a dark jumper over a shirt.Hull City Council
Lord Chris Haskins has died at the age of 88

Tributes have been paid to Lord Chris Haskins, an East Yorkshire businessman who had a "lifelong dedication to civic duty".

Lord Haskins, who was 88, lived on a farm in Skidby and was chair of Northern Foods. He became a life peer in the House of Lords in 1998.

Matt Jukes, chief executive of Hull City Council, said he "saw at first hand his drive, enthusiasm and passion for our region".

He added: "We have lost a true champion for the Humber and he will be sorely missed."

Humber LEP A man with glasses and wearing a blue suit stands at a lectern delivering a speech.Humber LEP
Lord Haskins was chair of the Humber LEP for eight years

In a joint tribute, city council leader Mike Ross and opposition group leader Daren Hale said Lord Haskins, who was born in Dublin, played "an instrumental role in driving business investment, growth and employment across the Humber".

He chaired the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership from its foundation in 2011 until 2019.

The councillors said his connections were "critical into ensuring Hull and the Humber always had a voice", and one of his biggest contributions was helping bring the Siemens plant to Hull.

Hull Maritime Two men smile and hold a cheque at a presentation – they are both wearing suits and standing in front of a Hull Maritime project promotional banner.Hull Maritime
Lord Haskins (left) at a presentation in 2019

Lord Haskins was the founding chair of the Hull Maritime Foundation – the charity established in 2018 to protect and celebrate the city's maritime heritage.

David Atkinson, chair of the foundation, said: "Lord Haskins's work with the Hull Maritime Foundation exemplified his lifelong dedication to civic duty and cultural stewardship, plus his commitment to celebrating the history and strengths of his adopted city.

"He leaves behind an extraordinary imprint on Hull's cultural landscape that will continue to shape the city for generations."

Danny Haskins, his son, said he would be missed, and "he was an independent man with strong beliefs and a good sense of humour".

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