A Labour peer and former MP who became a Lake District landscape campaigner has died aged 86.
Lord Frank Judd, of Thackthwaite, near Lorton, was a patron and former president of the conservation charity Friends of the Lake District for seven years and was also a passionate supporter of the countryside and protected landscapes.
After retiring as president of Friends of the Lake District in 2012, Lord Judd continued to speak on issues the conservation charity campaigned on in the House of Lords
He became personally involved in much work in the Lords on national parks and countryside issues including the new National Planning Policy Framework, which now gives more protection to the environment than when it was first proposed.
Lord Judd served as an MP in Portsmouth from 1966-1979 and was a former director of Oxfam and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) before being appointed a life peer in 1991.
Party leader Sir Keir Starmer described him as a great Labour internationalist who fought for peace, human rights and social justice.
Lord Judd was minister for the Royal Navy and overseas development as well as in the Foreign Office.
Douglas Chalmers, chief executive at Friends of the Lake District, said: “Everyone connected with Friends of the Lake District was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Lord Judd.
“Frank Judd was a tireless campaigner on behalf of the Lake District’s landscapes, served as our president and was one of our patrons for many years.
“He was a wholehearted supporter of our work in many places and in many ways. He will be sorely missed.”
Lord Judd served as under-secretary on naval affairs in Harold Wilson’s government and, later, as minister for overseas development, senior minister of state and deputy foreign secretary under Jim Callaghan.
He was involved in major campaigns with Friends of the Lake District during his time as president including stopping the Whinash wind farm and opposing government plans to sell off the nation’s forests.
He also opposed a large holiday lodge development at Low Borrowdale, between Shap and Kendal.
Since retiring as president of Friends of the Lake District, he continued to work on behalf of the charity and the Campaign for National Parks, remaining active right up until his death.
He was vice president of CNP and also an enthusiastic supporter of the Lake District achieving World Heritage Status.
Whether in the House of Lords, where he was a popular figure with all, attending meetings or contacting those he felt could help him make a difference, Lord Judd spoke with knowledge, passion and energy, often with humour, and always encouraging of others.
A funeral service was held at St Bartholomew’s Church, Loweswater, on April 30.
He is survived by his wife, Christine, and their two daughters.
