Tony Banks

I've just heard that former Labour minister Tony Banks has had a stroke and is gravely ill. There's an article about it on the Sky News website.



I had the privilege of meeting Mr Banks, (or Lord Stratford, as he is now) in 1994 when I came to England with my university's British Studies programme. He was funny, laid back and friendly, and I enjoyed the conversation I had with him. One of my mentors at the time, Dr Clinton, took a picture of me speaking to him, but there's no telling if that photo still exists.

I wish Lord Stratford and his family well, and I sincerely hope he recovers and quickly.