BRITAIN: Hundreds of mourners, including senior British cabinet members, paid tribute to Robin Cook at his funeral in St Giles's cathedral in Edinburgh, yesterday.
Led by his wife Gaynor and his two sons from his first marriage, they listened as chancellor Gordon Brown hailed the "greatest parliamentarian of our time".
The passing of the former Labour foreign secretary and Livingston MP last Saturday at 59 while walking in the Highlands had left a gap that could never properly be filled, said Mr Brown.
"What grieves us so much today is not only the personal loss we all feel so deeply but the greater loss: that Robin has been taken from us at the height of his powers, with causes still to be advanced, public service to be rendered, a contribution now lost that will diminish us all."
Mr Brown spoke of Mr Cook's commitment to social, political and economic justice. His resignation from the cabinet over the Iraq war "was founded on principle and the manner of his departure became the true measure of the man . . . As the tributes have flowed, I believe it could be said of all of us that we did not value Robin enough in life."
The service was not without controversy. Racing pundit John McCririck accused Tony Blair of snubbing Mr Cook's family by failing to break his holiday to attend the funeral.
"All of us have changed our plans to show our respect and affection for Robin and for Gaynor and the boys and the family," Mr McCririck said.
He noted that Margaret Thatcher had attended Ted Heath's service. "I believe the prime minister's snub to Robin's family, to millions of New Labour voters, demonstrates a petty vindictiveness and a moral failure, opting to continue snorkelling instead of doing his duty. What a contrast with Lady Thatcher."
His comments appeared to unsettle some, including deputy prime minister John Prescott and defence secretary John Reid.
Northern secretary Peter Hain said they were "totally uncalled for".