Former Minister Robin Cook Dies

Former Cabinet minister Robin Cook, 59, has died after collapsing while hill walking in north-west Scotland.

It is believed he was taken ill while walking with his wife Gaynor near the summit of Ben Stack, at around 1420 BST, Northern Constabulary said.

Mr Cook was flown by coastguard helicopter to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, where he was pronounced dead, said an NHS Highland spokesman.

Mr Cook quit as Commons leader in March 2003, in protest over the war in Iraq.

Following Mr Cook's death, former friends and colleagues paid tribute to him.

Prime Minister Tony Blair said he was "an outstanding, extraordinary talent", in a statement released by Downing Street.

Current Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, said: "He was the greatest Parliamentarian of his generation and a very fine foreign secretary."

Former Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "This is a terrible tragedy, not just for those who knew and cared for him, but also for political life in this country, which will be all the poorer."