Tony Benn RIP

[Thunder Bolt]

Always thought he was an old fraud. Converted from Anthony Wedgewood Benn from a privileged background to bitter, yet articulate, Tony Benn the Left wing Labour activist.

His father was given the title as a Liberal peer. Tony never wanted the title, but it came to him because of his elder brother's death in the war. As soon as the law about peerage was changed he renounced his title. I don't why he shouldn't have kept the double barrelled surname, but he obviously felt more comfortable with Benn. I don't see what was fraudulent about that.
He had his beliefs and principles, and stuck by them.

 

[bobby baxter]

Here we go...

Why should being born into wealth preclude you from having political beliefs that are about supporting those less fortunate, about creating a society fairer for all?

It's not where you're from, it's where you're at.

Pogue, youre wasting your time mate, Tony Benn was insulted,attacked and vilified throughout his political life, expect this to continue after his death. RIP great man

 

[Common as Mook]

Even as a Tory Boy i have no regrets in saying this is sad news ...A true political giant......Politics desperately needs more people like Mr Benn.

This.

 

[Dick Head]

Why does it have to be about effing politics? Its a sad week for their families, socialism will live on!

Okay.

 

[vegster]

RIP Tony, another sad loss. Principled,articulate and a wonderful orator. This week is as bad a week for socialism as Cheltenham is for horses.

 

[The Antikythera Mechanism]

A true old school politician, supremely intelligent and eloquent, marginalised because he spoke his mind instead of following the party line. Great respect for the man, but not his politics.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

Didn't agree with his politics, but there can be no question that we have lost a political giant and fantastic speaker.

If only one of the today's so called leader had the same courage of their convictions, we might be better placed.

 

[Greyrun]

Reinvented himself as a darling of the left after a poor ministerial career,I remember the meriden motorcycle fiasco.RIP

 

[Buzzer]

Never liked the man, but no denying his importance in British politics.

A patrician socialist background who would do anything for the working classes except join them. Hated the notion of privilege so much he renounced his title but still sent his kids to private schools.

He was a brilliant Energy Minister in the 60s but it was all downhill from there. He and his kind made the Labour Party unelectable for a decade, nearly split it in two if he had beaten Healey to the deputy leader role. You could argue he made Thatcher more popular than perhaps she would have been.

I once went to one of his speeches in that Red Lion meeting Hall near Clerkenwell and he had the audience spell bound. One of the best orators I've ever heard, shame I disagreed with more or less everything he said.

Yep, a bad week for old school socialists and for British politics generally.

 

[SouthCoastOwl]

I was lucky enough to "roadie" for him on a couple of book tours.

A true gaint in political terms and as a person a total gentleman and complete humanitarian.

 

[Questions]

RIP Tony, another sad loss. Principled,articulate and a wonderful orator. This week is as bad a week for socialism as Cheltenham is for horses.

He stood tall when it was not fashionable to be labour. Not fashionable amongst the folk who "bought their council houses, stuck on a brass door knocker and then voted Tory "

That quote of his summed up the politics of that day nicely.

 

[Albumen]

Always thought he was an old fraud. Converted from Anthony Wedgewood Benn from a privileged background to bitter, yet articulate, Tony Benn the Left wing Labour activist.

Compared to what we're now left with (in all parties), I don't quite understand your view. He was a giant amongst frauds and self interested gimps.

 

[Guinness Boy]

He stuck to his guns and that's more than 99% of today's lot on both sides do. RIP.

 

[brakespear]

RIP Tony, personal hero of mine and one of the last political greats, especially on the left.

 

[Questions]

Never liked the man, but no denying his importance in British politics.

A patrician socialist background who would do anything for the working classes except join them. Hated the notion of privilege so much he renounced his title but still sent his kids to private schools.

He was a brilliant Energy Minister in the 60s but it was all downhill from there. He and his kind made the Labour Party unelectable for a decade, nearly split it in two if he had beaten Healey to the deputy leader role. You could argue he made Thatcher more popular than perhaps she would have been.

I once went to one of his speeches in that Red Lion meeting Hall near Clerkenwell and he had the audience spell bound. One of the best orators I've ever heard, shame I disagreed with more or less everything he said.

Yep, a bad week for old school socialists and for British politics generally.

From the age of 11 all three of Benn's children went to Holland Park comprehensive Buzzer.

 

[Kumquat]

Compared to what we're now left with (in all parties), I don't quite understand your view. He was a giant amongst frauds and self interested gimps.

Absolutely. His legacy should be the way he conducted himself and as a role model for future generations on what being a politician should be. Sadly I don't think it will change how our current politicians behave one bit.

 

[Buzzer]

He stuck to his guns and that's more than 99% of today's lot on both sides do. RIP.

Spot on. Compare and contrast Cameron, Clegg or Milliband with the likes of Eric Heffer, Dave Nellist, Iain Macleod.

Donkeys v Lions.

 

[Razzoo]

A sad day indeed.

 

[Buzzer]

From the age of 11 all three of Benn's children went to Holland Park comprehensive Buzzer.

The socialist Eton? I'll try to find an article by ones of its former pupils who wrote an hilarious book about it. The way they described it, it was like a Steiner school. Is it still the only comprehensive in Kensington?

 

[Ken Livingstone Seagull]

Never liked the man, but no denying his importance in British politics.

A patrician socialist background who would do anything for the working classes except join them. Hated the notion of privilege so much he renounced his title but still sent his kids to private schools.

So easy to misrepresent the deceased, isn't it? My Dad taught Hilary and siblings History at Holland Park Comprehensive, so you statement is unadjacent to the truth. Nice try though.