Tony Benn (1925–2014)
Tony Benn really did pose a danger to the British establishment; because he continued, even after Thatcher and Blair, to inspire those pushing for radical change.
As the British establishment posthumously patronizes those it went all out to destroy, it’s worth remembering Tony Benn’s own description of the way ruling elites treat those who lead movements for change: “It’s the same each time. First they ignore you, then they say you’re mad, then dangerous, then there’s a pause and then you can’t find anyone who disagrees with you.”
We pay tribute to Tony Benn because he really did pose a danger to the British establishment; because he continued, even after the defeats wrought by Callaghan, Thatcher, and Blair, to inspire and provide a focus for forces for radical change. And because we commit ourselves to continue his challenge to the ruling order with a similar lack of fear or deference, as best we can.
The Frustration of Government
First, let’s remember the nature of the threat he represented in the 1970s, when he was Minister of Industry in the 1974–79 Labour governments, before being sacked by Harold Wilson under strong pressure from the Confederation of British Industry and the City. Benn was determined to implement the manifesto on which Labour was elected in 1974.
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