Co-operators in Scotland and beyond are remembering Alex Smith (1943–2026), who has died aged 83. He was a trade unionist, Labour activist and Member of the European Parliament whose career was shaped by the post-war welfare state, which he spent a lifetime defending.
Educated by church and school, he was a lifelong supporter of Kilmarnock FC. In 1979, as Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) convener of stewards at the US-owned Monsanto plant, he led the response to its closure, which cost 1,000 jobs immediately and had a major ripple effect on the Ayrshire economy.
Working alongside trade unionists, co-operative members and peace campaigners, he addressed meetings in the fight for jobs and was noted for his integrity, humour and principle. The defeat strengthened his conviction that workers must organise collectively to be heard.
Active in the local Labour Party, the TGWU and the peace movement, he took a particular interest in international solidarity and was part of a revived trades union council. He also organised local authority gardeners.
Encouraged by his union and by Alex Falconer MEP, he contested the South of Scotland seat in the 1989 European Parliament election and won, with backing from a wide range of groups. He saw his role, in Keir Hardie’s words, as being a voice in Parliament, and formed a lasting alliance with Falconer, known as “Big Alex and Wee Alex”.
His vote rose in 1994, when the left was warning of the dangers of Economic and Monetary Union, the emergence of “Fortress Europe” and the disregard for developing nations. With other left MEPs, he voted against endorsing the Nato attack on Yugoslavia, arguing for UN intervention. He stood down at the following election.
Later Smith worked with the Scottish Co-operative Development Council to encourage worker-owned enterprises, remained involved in Unite, the TGWU’s successor, and was active in the Woodcraft Folk.
He is survived by his wife Rachel, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his sister Jean.
