Bob had an instinctive grasp of what mattered to the membership across the industries that the RMT covers. His tireless and fearless championing of often unfashionable industrial and political issues whilst always maintaining a personal and human touch garnered him huge respect which was well deserved. He will be sadly missed by all his comrades at Thompsons.

Stephen Cavalier, Thompsons’ Chief Executive said “I am shocked and deeply saddened at Bob’s death which is a huge loss to us all. He was a great fighter for working people nationally and internationally. Bob was intensely committed, smart, determined and a man of great principle and integrity. I also knew him as great company, warm, generous and with a razor-sharp wit. He was a great friend and comrade to me and many at Thompsons. Our thoughts are with Nicki and family and with all Bob’s many friends and comrades in the RMT and the wider movement at this desperately sad time.”