David Blunkett remembered by colleague Robin Cook (7min)

Political allies and opponents have reacted to the sudden death of former UK Foreign Secretary Robin Cook by fashioning eloquent wreaths of tributes to the man and his contribution to political life.

Praise from Tony Blair for his hugely significant contribution to British politics, from Gordon Brown for his great insight and courage, from John Prescott for being the outstanding parliamentarian of his generation and from Michael Howard for what he called an immense contribution to British politics.

Everyone is now saying that Robin Cook was an outstanding figure. So, when presenter Andrew Rawnsley talked to UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions David Blunkett about the man he shared a Cabinet table with, he began by wondering what it is about politics that means politicians only praise each other when it's too late for the object of the praise to hear it?