Letter: John Smith: a man who will be sorely missed

Sir: It was with profound sorrow that we learnt of John Smith's death. Our hearts go out to his wife, Elizabeth, and daughters Catherine, Jane and Sarah.

I know I speak on behalf of all the leaders of our European Party, of which John was a key player, when I say that we have lost not just a good friend but a convinced, and convincing, European whose ideas and work sprang from deeply held moral convictions and sense of justice.

Scotland and Britain have lost a great man, Europe a great ally and the socialist family a great leader.

He will be sorely missed.

Yours faithfully,

WILLY CLAES

President,

Party of European Socialists

Brussels

12 May