9 August, 2005

Robin Cook dies aged 59

Shocking news arrived last weekend.

Former Cabinet minister Robin Cook died at the age of 59. He collapsed while he was walking in the Scottish Highlands and was airlifted to hospital in Invernesson on Saturday.

When it comes to Robin Cook, I remember the moment of his resignation. He resigned from the Cabinet in protest over Blair's decision to go to war in Iraq.

From the start of the present crisis, I have insisted, as Leader of the House, on the right of this place to vote on whether Britain should go to war.

It has been a favourite theme of commentators that this House no longer occupies a central role in British politics.

Nothing could better demonstrate that they are wrong than for this House to stop the commitment of troops in a war that has neither international agreement nor domestic support.

I intend to join those tomorrow night who will vote against military action now. It is for that reason, and for that reason alone, and with a heavy heart, that I resign from the government.

» BBC News | Former minister Robin Cook dies
» rhydd's diary | A sudden lost to British politics
» Londonist | Not bad for a chemist's son...

» The Observer | Robin Cook dies after collapse on mountain
This article is particularly emotional.

He was hugely funny. I remember we had a Christmas night out - it ended up being in about February. He took us all to a jazz club in Camden; he loved jazz.