| Right and Honorable |
24 March 2003
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Robin Cook Quits as Blair's House Leader
The Right Honourable Robin Cook, MP, PC, resigned as leader of the House of Commons in protest over the British government's active support of President Bush's war on Iraq. While Mr. Cook's action is not likely to bring down Mr. Blair's government, nor really to have much of a post-war impact, his actions are both right and honorable. By quitting, Mr. Cook has insulated himself from the charge of careerism and maintained his own political credibility. One had feared the idea of resigning over principle a dead concept.
As Leader of the House, Mr. Cook was one of the senior-most members of the Parliamentary Labour Party, but his position was not quite as powerful as his former post, Foreign Secretary. Indeed, his newer post is a demotion. Moreover, while popular in the House and among Labour voters, he lacks the character to lead a rebellion.
As a practical matter, quitting over policy doesn't really change policy, and for that reason, it is a dubious stratagem as a general rule. Mr. Blair, himself is employing a different approach within the anti-Saddam coalition, influencing to the degree possible within the tent, and his approach will be proved far more effective than that of the French, Germans and Russians.
So, why quit? Quite simply, as Mr. Cook knows so well, there comes a point when a politician must do what he believes to be right, regardless of polls, ballots or contributions. His resignation may prove to be the end of his career as a force in the Labour Party. Staying on despite his criticisms would also have brought an end to his effectiveness. He would have retained office, perhaps, but not power. By quitting, he retains his integrity, his supporters, and his conscience. In short, he has a chance to return to the game if circumstances cooperate.