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Published: 25/08/2005, Volume II5, No. 5967 Page 17

Martin Rathfelder, director, Socialist Health Association

Robin Cook should be remembered for his record as shadow health secretary. In 1990 he attacked the market-driven changes to the NHS introduced by then health secretary Kenneth Clarke. He laid out policies for tackling ill health that involved all government departments, recognising the role of inequalities, occupational health, diet and exercise, as well as action on tobacco and alcohol. Had Labour been elected in 1992, with Mr Cook as health secretary, the nation might be healthier today.