Ian Gibson (politician)

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For other persons named Ian Gibson, see Ian Gibson (disambiguation).

Ian Gibson (born September 26, 1938) British politician, is the Labour Member of Parliament for Norwich North.

Ian Gibson was born in Dumfries, Scotland and was educated locally at the Dumfries Academy, before attending the University of Edinburgh where he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in genetics and became a Doctor of Philosophy. He continued his studies in the United States of America at both Indiana University and the University of Washington. He worked continuously for the University of East Anglia from 1965 until his election to Westminster 32 years later. He initially worked as a scientist until 1971, before becoming a senior biology lecturer until becoming the dean of biology in 1991, he became an honorary professor in 2003.

He was a member of the executive of the Manufacturing, Science and Finance trade union for 24 years from 1972, and joined the Labour Party as late as 1983. He unsuccessfully contested Norwich North at the 1992 General Election where he was defeated by the sitting Conservative MP Patrick Thompson by just 266 votes. He was elected to the House of Commons at the 1997 General Election, Thompson had retired and Gibson beat the new Tory candidate by 9,470, and remains the MP there. He made his maiden speech on June 17, 1997.^[1]

He has been a member of the science and technology select committee since his election in 1997 and served as its chairman between 2001-5. Whilst he was the dean of biology at The University of East Anglia he was the head of a research team investigating cancer, and has been awarded a 'Champion' award by Macmillan Cancer Relief for his work in support of people with cancer. He was a major campaigner against top-up fees for universities. He suffered a minor stroke on a visit to Ramallah, West Bank in September 2004.^[2]

He attracted controversy in August 2006 after claiming inbreeding in his constituency may have played a part in its rising number of diabetes cases. However, he did later apologise for these remarks, stating he did not mean to cause offence. ^[3]

He has been married to Elizabeth Frances Lubbock since 1977 and they have two daughters. He is a supporter of Norwich City F.C.

[edit] Publications

Anti-Sense Technology by Ian Gibson, 1997
Too Little Too Late?: Government Investment in Nanotechnology by Ian Gibson, 2004, The Stationery Office Books ISBN 0-215-01644-0
Within Reach the EUs New Chemical Strategy by Ian Gibson, The Stationery Office Books ISBN 0-215-01706-4
Advanced Manufacturing Technology for Medical Applications by Ian Gibson, 2005, John Wiley & Sons Ltd ISBN 0-470-01688-4