Tony Benn
History biography page about Tony Benn
Benn's long career as an MP—North of Westminster, Series 14, Tony Benn Special
Benn entered the Commons in 1950 and later become a cabinet minister under Harold Wilson.
Benn becomes the figurehead of the Labour left wing—The Wilderness Years, Cast into the Wilderness
From the mid-1970s to the early 1980s, Benn rose as the leader of the Labour Party left.
Benn's battle for control of the Labour Party—North of Westminster, Series 14, Tony Benn Special
In 1980s Benn challenged unsuccessfully for control of the Labour Party.
Benn supports the Miners' Strike—North of Westminster, Series 14, Tony Benn Special
During strike Benn toured the country giving speeches and offering support to the miners.
Benn the protester—North of Westminster, Series 14, Tony Benn Special
A key supporter of peace movements, Benn met Saddam Hussein on the eve of both Gulf Wars.
Benn the diarist—Diaries: the Naked Truth
Benn meticulously kept a diary that offered an inside view of post-war British politics.
Benn on the limits of British democracy—Westminster behind Closed Doors: with Tony Benn
A keen democrat, Benn was a fierce critic of political patronage and hereditary honours.
Benn on Blair's New Labour—Straight Talk, 14/07/2007
A critic of Blair's New Labour, Benn believed it betrayed Labour's socialist traditions.
Benn retires from the House of Commons—News, News and Weather
In 2001, after 51 years, Tony Benn retired as an MP to "spend more time on politics".
Benn’s renaissance—Free at Last
After retiring as an MP, Benn held shows where he discussed his socialism and politics.
