Anthony Gifford, 6th Baron Gifford

Anthony Maurice Gifford, born on May 1, 1940, is a British lawyer and a member of the House of Lords for many years. He inherited the title of Baron Gifford when his father passed away in 1961. He is known for his work as a King's Counsel, which means he is a very experienced and respected lawyer. Lord Gifford has spent his career fighting for justice and helping people through the law.

A Life in Law: Anthony Gifford's Journey

Anthony Gifford studied at Winchester College and King's College, Cambridge. He became a lawyer, or "barrister," in 1962. Later, in 1983, he became a King's Counsel (KC), which is a special title for top lawyers.

Helping People: Law Centres and Legal Aid

Lord Gifford helped start the North Kensington Neighbourhood Law Centre. This was the first "law centre" in Britain, offering free legal advice to people who couldn't afford it. He also founded and led his own law firm, Wellington Street Chambers, for 15 years. Later, he joined and led other law firms, continuing his work.

Fighting for Justice: Important Cases

Lord Gifford worked on several important legal cases. He was a lawyer for Paul Hill in the Guildford Four appeals. He also represented Gerry Hunter in the Birmingham Six appeals. These cases were about people trying to prove their innocence in court.

He also led inquiries into important community issues. For example, he chaired investigations into patterns of alleged racism and unfair treatment in areas like Broadwater Farm and Liverpool Eight. He also represented the family of James Wray in the Bloody Sunday Inquiry.

In 1991, Lord Gifford started a law firm in Kingston, Jamaica. He divided his time working as a lawyer in both Jamaica and the UK. He was also a key member of a group called Lawyers Against Apartheid. This group worked to fight against the unfair system of apartheid in South Africa.

Serving in the House of Lords

As a "hereditary peer," Lord Gifford had the right to be a member of the House of Lords. This is part of the UK Parliament. He sat with the Labour group. However, a new law in 1999 changed things. It removed the automatic right for hereditary peers to sit in Parliament. So, Lord Gifford left the House of Lords on November 11, 1999.

Sharing His Story: The Passionate Advocate

In 2007, Lord Gifford wrote a book about his life called The Passionate Advocate. A newspaper in Jamaica, the Jamaica Gleaner, said the book showed how much he has done to help people who are treated unfairly. It also highlighted the power of law and how it connects to history and politics.

Campaigning for Reparations: Making Things Right

Lord Gifford has been a strong supporter of "reparations for slavery." This means seeking ways to make amends for the harm caused by the historical slave trade.

The Legal Basis for Reparations

In 1993, at a big meeting in Nigeria, he gave a speech about the legal reasons for claiming reparations. He explained why it was important to address the damage caused by slavery.

Raising the Issue in Parliament

In 1996, Lord Gifford spoke in the House of Lords about this issue. He asked the government if they would consider making reparations to African nations and to the descendants of enslaved Africans. He believes this issue should be looked at across all Caribbean countries. He is a member of the Jamaican reparations commission, continuing his work on this important cause.

Family Life

Lord Gifford has been married three times.

• In 1965, he married Katherine Ann Mundy. They had two children:
  • The Hon. Thomas Adam Gifford (born 1967)
  • The Hon. Polly Ann Gifford (born 1969)

They divorced in 1988.

• In 1988, he married Elean Roslyn Thomas. They had one daughter:
  • The Hon. Sheba Chanel Gifford (born 1992)

They later divorced.

• In 1998, he married Tina Natalia Goulbourne.

Coat of arms

Coat of arms of Anthony Gifford, 6th Baron Gifford

Notes Coat of arms of the Gifford family Coronet A coronet of a Baron Crest A Panther's Head couped at the neck and affrontée between two Branches of Oak proper Escutcheon Azure a Chevron between three Stirrups with Leathers Or within a Bordure engrailed Argent pellety Supporters Dexter: a Bay Horse proper charged on the shoulder with a Portcullis Or; Sinister: a Greyhound Argent charged on the body with three Ermine Spots Motto Non Sine Numine (Not without God's assistance)