John Robert Purvis, CBE (6 July 1938 – 20 March 2022) was a Conservative MEP for Mid Scotland and Fife (1979–1984) and for Scotland from 1999 to 2009 was one of Scotland's seven MEPs. In this capacity he worked with fellow UK MEP Basil de Ferranti and others to propose harmonised standards across a wide range of goods. Their final proposals would form the basis of the Single European Act in 1985. telecommunications and financial regulation.

In 2001, Purvis spoke out against the legality of actions by Customs and Excise officers who were confiscating alcohol and tobacco bought for personal use from travellers returning from the European Union saying such actions were illegal.

In 2002, Purvis stated that he supported the building of a new airport in central Scotland as an alternative to upgrading the airports at Edinburgh or Glasgow.

In 2008, it was alleged that Purvis may have breached rules regarding parliamentary expenses and the payment of staff through a company. Purvis said at the time that he sought clarification from the relevant authorities and such clarification was not forthcoming. He was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Since standing down in 2009, Purvis continued to serve in Europe as Chairman of Financial Future Forum which provides a means of dialogue between the financial services industries of Europe and the EU's legislators. He was also Chairman of Belgrave Capital Management in London, and was for many years a Director of Kingdom FM Radio Ltd., Fife, and Advisor to the Board of Elmwood College in Cupar (2012).

He died following a battle with cancer on 20 March 2022, at the age of 83.

References

  • Official website
  • Profile on European Parliament website