Tony Benn Rip

[Ric.ror]

End of an era ?

[lady-janine]

when?

bye Mr B. RIP.

[BlueToffee]

A sad loss, RIP Tony Benn

[ummmm]

RIP...

I only know who he was because of spitting image...

[WELSHYORKIE]

Whether you agreed with his politics or not, a loss to the political stage

[albaqwerty]

agree Welshy.

RIP Mr. Benn.

[mikey4444]

Terrible shock to wake up to this news.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-26573929

Agree with welshyorkie here. When he left Parliament, he said that he wanted to spend more time in politics. Old Labour and proud of it. We won't see his like again... RIP Tony.

[factor-fiction]

I don't see it as the end of an era, except that he was one of the last remaining politicians from the Wilson government of the 60s.
I always liked him- in fact when i was a student he was a real hero of mine in political terms.
I heard him on the radio a couple of months ago and he sounded very frail so I'm not surprised he's passed away. RIP.

[excelsior-1]

a very prominent figure indeed

R.I.P

[chrissa1]

RIP.

[carolegif]

True socialist! Gave up his title but not his wealth or estate!

[sunny-dave]

An honest and good man, the most inspiring speaker I ever heard and one of the best people I ever had the pleasure of meeting.

I just heard a quote where he said "Say what you believe and believe what you say" - not a bad motto for a life.

[Old_Geezer]

Probably because he wasn't a moron, Carole. Why should those with principles lose out on life to please others who are happy to hold on to whatever they have? The idea is to form society so we all live as we should, not wear a hair shirt as some form of gesture.

Could be seen as the end of an era, but I don't believe he's been hitting headlines for some years now. Have a lot of respect for the guy though.

[ummmm]

Loved his interview with Ali G....

[DrFilth]

rip tony

[naomi24]

Not that I agreed with his politics, but I always thought him a statesman - a man of dignity - a rapidly dying breed. RIP.

[ferret69]

As part of his obituary perhaps we might add: 'Tony' Benn, as Minister of Power in Wilson's Government, closed more coal mines than Maggie Thatcher, a fact that labour supporters fail to accept. Gave up the title but not the family fortune that went with it. Yet another champagne socialist.

[carolegif]

I cannot see how someone who has millions in the bank, estates, can then say they are a true socialist. I didn't expect him to give everything away. Look how Cameron is vilified for being posh and wealthy!

[naomi24]

Carole, it's ok to be aristocratic and rich if you're a socialist. ;o)

[Old_Geezer]

For being posh maybe.

[mikey4444]

Its difficult to believe he is no longer with us. He was great influence on me when I was still at school, and remains so. It was because of him that I joined the Labour Party at the age of 16. As sunny-dave reports...
"Say what you believe and believe what you say" I can't think of a better stance in life. I am still in shock.