Forum Topic

Tony Benn RIP

Very sad day. He was a real gentleman .An icon of British politics and a champion of its people. Will be greatly missed and forever remembered.  Most sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Mari Austin ● 4429d17 Comments

Interesting gentleman was Tony Benn.  What did you interview him for - was it a newspaper or TV or radio?

Gerry Tan ● 4426d

I interviewed him once - a very charming, articulate man - who served us the strongest tea I have ever tasted.

Viv Ellis ● 4426d

Wouldn't it be brilliant if it turned out now that Benn had been a fifth columnist all the time, working tirelessly for the Conservative party. After all, he couldn't have been more use to them if he had been in their pay.

Susan Kelly ● 4427d

I never agreed with Benn's policies except on the EU ... and pipe smoking. Harold Wilson famously said that Benn immatured with age. He certainly went left as (New)Labour moved right.

Graham Weeks ● 4427d

I thought Mr Benn was great in older age. Certainly not during the 1970s. You may recall the public then felt that split Labour was completely unable to govern the country.We are seeing that In Ealing now. We saw it under GB. Ed M is baffling many.

George Knox ● 4427d

I am so looking forward to exercising my democratic right in May to oust the current bunch of wasters from our council.

Nigel Brooks ● 4427d

I am sure there are interested parties who have benefitted from whatever has gone on in Singapore and I am sure also that many would wish there was more accountability, consultation and enfranchisement( in sort more democracy) there. If you say 'there is too much democracy' it is tantamount to saying 'there is not enough room for tyranny to flourish'. We may also have an older heritage and history of democracy here and in the west than in the east but generally speaking you can't have too much democracy imo.

Keith Iddon ● 4427d

Keith, I'm referring to the many times that the public(us) have to be consulted about things. Sometimes I feel we should have strong and decisive enough leadership(not only in politics but in the home and local neighbourhood) to get things done and finished. Rather like Lee Kwan Yew in Singapore, who since independence has produced a republic to be really proud of rather than other countries I don't wish to shame.Whadya think?

Gerry Tan ● 4427d

When and how do the examples of 'too much of this thing called democracy'(that so many have fought and died for btw) manifest themselves Gerry and what would you rather see instead?

Keith Iddon ● 4427d

That's all very good and cosy Graham, but sometimes I think we have a bit too much of this thing called democracy.

Gerry Tan ● 4427d

If you meet a powerful person – ask them five questions:What power have you got?Where did you get it from?In whose interests do you exercise it?To whom are you accountable?And how can we get rid of you?If you cannot get rid of the people who govern you, you do not live in a democratic system.Tony Benn

Graham Weeks ● 4427d

Yes, I'd forgotten he was teetotal. Probably just seemed like 88 years.

Susan Kelly ● 4428d

There are flowers outside his house in Holland Park Avenue. His house is the shabby one on the left hand side between Ladbroke Grove and  Ladbroke Terrace.All his children went to Holland Park comp. Great guy. I once saw him in The Mitre, on the corner of Holland Park Avenue and Ladbroke Grove drinking a cup of tea! He didn't drink anything stronger than that or coffee.

Ben Owen ● 4428d

He was an inspirational man. He will be truly missed. Respected by young and old. Rest in Peace Mr Tony Benn.

Jaz Brown ● 4428d

More likely a pot of tea.

Keith Iddon ● 4428d

Sharing a pint with Bob Crowe, I expect.

Susan Kelly ● 4428d

One of the very few politicians who was totally committed to his beliefs and who became a true statesman. It is wholly unsurprising that politicians from across the political divide are paying tribute. May he rest in peace reunited with his beloved Caroline.

Nigel Brooks ● 4428d