Witness sessions
Home | London 1 | Glasgow |
London 2
Birmingham | Bristol | Manchester | Cardiff
Wednesday 23 February, London
Robin Cook event
Jolly St Ermin’s Hotel, 2 Caxton Street, SW1H 0QW
Robin Cook gave evidence to POWER, sharing his views on democracy, the role of parliament, the future of the political parties and the role of the citizen with the Commission and audience.
Over 130 members of the public attended, some of them putting questions to Mr Cook in response to his statement.
Discussions and statements
Listen to the discussion |Download summary |Download full transcript
Media Coverage
Robin Cook, Helena Kennedy and the people of Croydon speak about turnout and participation on the Today Programme
Today Programme, BBC Radio 4, 23 February 2005
Witness
Rt Hon Robin Cook MP is a central figure in the Labour Party and one the UK's most respected parliamentarians. He has served as an MP since 1974 and held several key positions in government, including the posts of Foreign Secretary (1997-2001) and Leader of the House of Commons (2001-2003). He is committed to modernisation of Britain's political system, and advocates an elected upper House, simplified procedures in the House of Commons and the rejuvenation of party politics and ideological debate.
Robin Cook resigned from his position as Leader of the House in 2003 due to his severe reservations about war in Iraq. He is now a powerful but selective critic of the Government regularly advocating withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq and a more ambitious social democratic rather than New Labour agenda at home.
Robin Cook is widely respected within the political establishment for his grasp of issues, acute intelligence and incisive oratory. His resignation speech to the Commons received the almost unheard-of accolade of winning applause from MPs.
Born in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Robin Cook read English Literature at Edinburgh University, and went on to work as a tutor, adult education organiser, and writer. He is married and has two children.
