Obituary: Anthony Hamilton-Smith, 3rd Baron Colwyn (1942-2024)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Anthony Hamilton-Smith, 3rd Baron Colwyn, on 4 August 2024 in his early eighties. A dedicated public servant, dentist, and advocate for public health, Lord Colwyn was a long-standing supporter of the British Fluoridation Society, championing water fluoridation as a vital measure for improving dental health across the UK.
Born on January 1, 1942, Anthony Colwyn Hamilton-Smith succeeded to the barony in 1966 following the death of his father, making him one of the youngest hereditary peers in the House of Lords. A qualified dentist, Lord Colwyn practiced in London for many years, gaining first-hand experience of the significant impact oral health initiatives could have on public well-being. His medical background (he started out as a medical student) profoundly shaped his political interests and commitments.
In the House of Lords, Lord Colwyn was a vocal advocate for preventive health measures, frequently addressing the importance of fluoridation in combating tooth decay, especially among children. He was deeply involved with the British Fluoridation Society, believing that extending fluoridation programs could reduce health disparities and improve dental outcomes for vulnerable communities. His work in this area reflected a broader passion for science-based health policy and preventive care.
Lord Philip Hunt of Kings Heath, a labour peer, first met Lord Colwyn in the late nineties. “I knew of him before I came into the House of Lords because I was then chief exec of the NHS Confederation. And, for a long time, we’d had an interest in improving dental health in the country and particularly wanting to see fluoridation of the water supply. Tony had been a long advocate of fluoridation as a practicing dentist. And so when I got to the House of Lords, although we were on opposite sides of the house, he conservative, me labour, we did make common cause when I was a back bencher just talking about dental issues, the need to improve dental health and particularly about fluoridation (Last Word, BBC Radio). “
Beyond his contributions to healthcare, Lord Colwyn was an active and respected figure in the House of Lords, participating in debates on a wide range of issues. He was also known for his love of music and jazz, often performing as an accomplished trumpet player. His legacy in both dentistry and the health of the nation is lasting, and he will be sorely missed by his colleagues, friends, and all who knew him.