Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Smith calls off meetings after injury to ankle

Sunday 10 April 1994 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

JOHN SMITH, the Labour leader, has severely damaged ligaments in his right ankle and cancelled his engagements for this week, his office said yesterday.

He injured himself while climbing in the Scottish Highlands last Wednesday.

Mr Smith, 55, was due to visit a farm at Beccles, Suffolk, today, followed by a news conference in Lowestoft and meetings in Great Yarmouth and Ipswich. He will be unable to attend the House of Commons this week.

In 1988, Mr Smith suffered a heart attack from which he appears to have made a complete recovery. Since his illness, he has taken to climbing - particularly the mountains higher than 3,000ft, the Munros.

He slipped in the snow while climbing his 108th Munro, Eididh nan Clach Geala, in Wester Ross.

A spokeswoman said: 'After he did it he continued to walk three or four miles further on. And on Friday, not realising the damage that had been done, he carried out a number of engagements in his constituency.'

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in