I joined the Labour Party just before my 16th birthday in 1960. By then I had already heard Michael Foot speak on several occasions and he was one of the reasons I joined the Party. His detractors are already referring to his part in the 1983 general election as if he failed, omitting to remind their listeners that he was betrayed by Roy Jenkins and his cronies, yet it was during that campaign that I heard him succinctly summarise the meaning of socialism without speaking the word. He said:

'We are here to provide for all those who are weaker, hungrier, more battered and crippled than ourselves. That is our only certain, good and great purpose on Earth'.

Since that day his words have been above my desk at work and at home. Michael has passed on and I, like many others, salute him. He will be with me until the end. A hero and a true socialist.

Robert Howard, 3 March 2010.