Brian Laughton obituary Richard Laughton My father, Brian Laughton, who has died aged 86, was a campaigner for the rights of shipping workers and was central in the international trade union fight against so-called “flags of convenience”, used by some owners as a means to circumvent labour standards. He was also a lifelong cycling enthusiast. Born in London to Amy Laughton (nee Forder), a dinner lady, and her husband, Alfred, an electrician, Brian and his siblings, Graham and Cynthia, were evacuees during the war, spending time in Cumbria and Yorkshire. His father – also an enthusiastic cyclist – died when Brian was only nine years old.