Frank Dobson was a principled man of great integrity, committed to anti-racism and opposed to discrimination. He was a great champion of his constituency, Holborn and St Pancras and proud it was where the Anti-Apartheid Movement was based throughout its existence. Frank was an active supporter of AAM serving on its National Executive. Frank arranged for Nelson Mandela to unveil the plaque on the house where Ruth First and Joe Slovo lived in Camden Town. He was a great Secretary of State for Health and supported links and exchanges between our NHS and the democratic government of South Africa as they sought to deal with massive health inequalities and provide a national health service. Frank recognised the need not only to oppose apartheid but maintain solidarity and support the development of South Africa to reduce poverty, inequality, tackle the legacy of apartheid and colonialism. He gave unstinting support not only to ACTSA but to me personally.
I knew Frank as my MP and I am very proud he was a good friend. He was funny, clever, with humility and compassion. Frank was a local champion, a brilliant Secretary of State for Health and an internationalist committed to a more peaceful, just world in which human rights are respected and the dignity of all upheld. He made a real, lasting and positive difference, nationally, internationally and locally. Frank was a leader of Camden Council and championed the cause and need for good quality affordable social housing. He had great stories, jokes but with a sharp, piercing intellect, he was a fount of information. After meetings, conversations with Frank I felt uplifted. I will miss him greatly but celebrate his life, values and achievements. My thoughts and solidarity are with his wife Janet, children and grandchildren. Viva Frank Dobson!
-Tony Dykes