The fight for social justice has lost a real champion with the death of Chris Haskins (Obituary, 3 April). As a junior public health academic, I experienced first-hand his openness and willingness to embrace and support insights into the conditions of the left behind in the north of England.
In his response to my cold-calling letter drawing attention to the problem of food deserts in inner-city Liverpool, I was privileged to attend the famously relaxed and open Northern Foods directors’ meetings above the dairy in Hull and provided with generous funds for research into this hidden injustice.
With Lord Haskins’ support, we were able to reveal how poverty-stricken communities had access only to overpriced processed and tinned food from corner shops whose owners left each night for their homes in the affluent suburbs.
The battle for universal access to wholesome, affordable food continues, but Haskins will remain a beacon of ethical and sustainable capitalism.
Prof John R Ashton
Former north-west regional director of public health
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