“There was one man in the Labour government, Robin Cook, whom I had a very high regard for. He had the courage to speak out and to resign over Iraq. He was an admirable man. But resignation over a matter of principle is not a very fashionable thing in our society.”

English playwright, screenwriter, director and actor

Harold Pinter was an English playwright, screenwriter, director and actor. Born in 1930 and active for more than 50 years, he became one of the most influential modern dramatists in British theatre and received the 2005 Nobel Prize in Literature. He is best known for plays such as The Birthday Party, The Homecoming and Betrayal, all of which he later adapted for the screen. He also wrote screenplays for films including The Servant, The Go-Between, The French Lieutenant's Woman, The Trial and Sleuth, and worked across radio, stage, television and film as both director and performer.