Even if you’re not a follower of British politics, you should read Gordon Brown’s eulogy for Robin Cook, delivered at the funeral service in Edinburgh today.

It’s a moving, articulate tribute to a great parliamentarian.

In some of the dark, early days of Labour’s years in the wilderness, I lived near Robin Cook in Kennington, an area of south London popular with MPs because of its proximity to Westminster.

Even though he was just a backbencher, I thought it was great to see him commuting on the number 12 bus, because his oratorical fame was already spreading.