8 August 2005: for immediate release
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament is saddened by the death of Robin Cook and today pays tribute to his record as a politician of principle.
His status as one of the greatest parliamentarians was confirmed by his courageous decision to resign from the government in opposition to the war in Iraq. His resignation speech effectively deconstructed the case for military action and was of great importance in mobilising broader opposition to the war.
Most recently, CND welcomed his contribution to the debate on the replacement of the Trident nuclear weapons system. Writing in The Guardian just ten days before his death, he condemned Britain’s ‘futile and costly obsession with nuclear-weapon status’ and argued that, ‘nuclear weapons have no relevance to Britain’s defences in the modern world’.*
Kate Hudson, Chair of CND, said,
” Robin Cook will be remembered with great respect by all those who campaigned against the war in Iraq. His principled position was an example which his cabinet colleagues would do well to emulate. His death is a significant blow to those campaigning against Britain’s weapons of mass destruction, but his statement of opposition to Trident replacement so close to his death will spur on CND’s campaign for its abolition.”
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Notes to Editor:
1. For further information and interviews please contact Ruth Tanner CND’s Press & Communications Officer on 0207 7002350 or 07968 420859
2. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) is one of Europe’s biggest single-issue peace campaigns, with over 32,000 members in the UK. CND campaigns for the abolition of all nuclear weapons everywhere.