Robin Cook – a comrade, brother and political friend

THE SUDDEN death of Robin Cook, former British Foreign Minister and President of the Party of European Socialists, leaves a void in the political life of Britain. Cyprus and all Cypriots have lost a political ally.

Robin was a man of huge intellect with a passion for his politics and it was a privilege to have been considered a comrade, brother and political friend of his. He was no stranger to controversy or conflict with his peers but always loyal to his beliefs in democracy, social justice and to the Labour Party.

Even in high office he was not afraid to speak his views, be it on Kashmir, the Middle East conflict or Cyprus. His attempts to introduce an ethical dimension to the UK foreign policy received praise and criticism but he was the first to admit that there were many dusty corners of influence and power in the British Foreign Office that had to be left to others to clean out. He was genuinely honoured to be the President of the EU Council that opened negotiations with Cyprus to become a full member of the European Union and was committed to working for a united Cyprus.

His resignation from government office gave him regret; he wished that he had done more to persuade Prime Minister Blair not to go to war in Iraq.

In memory of Robin Cook and to do justice to our own ethics and beliefs we would all do well to commit ourselves to do more to reverse the paths of injustice that some of our political leaders seem bent on taking us down.
Ray Collins, Strovolos

Ray Collins was Political Advisor to Dame Pauline Green, former leader of the European Socialists in the European Parliament and was co-author of ‘Embracing Cyprus’ (I.B. Tauris, May 2003) for which Robin Cook wrote the Foreword.