Tributes pour in for Cook

Cook died after collapsing while hill walking in north-west Scotland.

Prime Minister Tony Blair called his former foreign secretary "an outstanding, extraordinary talent".

Tory leader Michael Howard praised his "immense" contribution to British politics, while Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy said he was "deeply saddened".

Cook, who had two adult sons, was with second wife Gaynor when he was suddenly taken ill near the summit of Ben Stack.

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

Blair said: "This news will be received with immense sadness, not just in Britain but in many parts of the world.

"Robin was an outstanding, extraordinary talent - brilliant, incisive in debate, of incredible skill and persuasive power."

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw called Cook "the greatest Parliamentarian of his generation" and added: "I deeply mourn his loss."

He said they had been "good friends for nearly 30 years and that friendship survived our policy disagreements".

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said: "He made an enormous contribution to British politics in opposition and in government."

And Chancellor Gordon Brown said: "I admired and valued Robin as a colleague and friend and as one of the greatest parliamentarians of our time. His wife Gaynor and his two sons are in our thoughts and prayers."

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan also paid tribute to the former foreign secretary as a "partner on a wide range of issues".