Blair pays tribute to “formidable” Robin Cook
The prime minister paid tribute yesterday to former foreign secretary Robin Cook, who died on Saturday aged 59.
Mr Cook collapsed and later died while on a walking holiday with his second wife, Gaynor, near the summit of Ben Stack near Sutherland.
Tony Blair described Mr Cook – who resigned as leader of the Commons over the decision to go to war in Iraq – as “an outstanding, extraordinary talent”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Gaynor and all Robin’s family. This news will be received with immense sadness, not just in Britain but in many parts of the world,” he said.
“Robin was an outstanding, extraordinary talent – brilliant, incisive in debate, of incredible skill and persuasive power.”
Mr Blair said his working relationship with Mr Cook was always “close”, adding: “He was always stimulating, energetic and, of course, grasped every detail of his brief.
“I remember at European councils his amazing capacity for the right intervention at the right time to bring about progress – a tremendous support and help.
“He played a crucial role as foreign secretary, redefining Britain’s position in Europe, developing Britain’s strong commitment to aid and human rights and was instrumental in bringing justice to Kosovo.
“Though we disagreed over Iraq, I always respected the way in which he put his case.
“As a strong supporter of constitutional change, he was key to pushing through the new constitutional settlement in Britain. He was a great advocate of parliamentary reform.”
Mr Blair said the Labour MP for Livingston’s contribution to British politics was “hugely significant” and, to the Labour party, “immense”.
“He will be missed and mourned by all of us,” he said.
Deputy leader John Prescott said Mr Cook was “the greatest parliamentarian of his generation”, a sentiment shared by current foreign secretary Jack Straw and chancellor Gordon Brown.
Mr Brown said: “Robin’s mastery of the House of Commons was acknowledged on all sides and his incisive mind, forensic skills and formidable and wide ranging debating prowess were seen by the public very clearly, when in opposition he led the response to the Scott inquiry, and when in government he became a great reforming leader of the House of Commons.”
Conservative leader Michael Howard said Mr Cook’s contribution to British politics said: “He was a politician of principle who fought hard for the things he believed in. He will be greatly missed.”
Liberal Democrat counterpart Charles Kennedy said Scottish, British and international politics had lost “a good and gifted man”.
Alex Salmond, leader of the Scottish National party, said Mr Cook was right to protest against the war against Iraq.
“He will be particularly remembered for his resignation speech on the issue of the war with Iraq, which was a parliamentary masterpiece,” said Mr Salmond.
“I suspect it is on that issue that he will be most missed now, because the country is in crisis. Robin Cook was right about what has got us into this total nightmare.”
The spokesman for UN secretary general Kofi Annan, said Mr Cook possessed an “exceptional intellect, eloquence, vision and passion in the domestic and international arenas alike”.
US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice described Mr Cook as a “passionate defender of human freedom and dignity”.
