Stop the War has been flooded with tributes from our supporters responding to the sad loss of our president Tony Benn. We reprint a few of them here. Many thanks to everyone who has written to us.
Tony Benn was a towering figure in British politics and a stalwart of the peace and anti-nuclear movement. We feel his absence today, with grief that we will never hear his words of wisdom again, but also with hope and re-commitment to our shared cause, inspired by his values and his life. Kate Hudson general secretary of CND See Kate’s full tribute here…
It was a pleasure and an honour to work with him on causes ranging from the miners’ strike to opposition to the disastrous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have his diaries, we have his books, we have wonderful memories, and above all we have an inspiration that we can follow. Jeremy Corbyn MP chair of Stop the War
Tony Benn was an old fashioned politician who believed in doing right by and for the people. He was a gentle man in a world of nasty egotistic politicians, and even nastier journalists. But what he did was fight for morality, common sense and humanity but did so in a humbling and honest manner. He had time for everybody and everybody had time for him. He was a marvellous man, a true seeker of justice for the Palestinians and peace for the world. He spoke up against western fascism against the unarmed victims of this world and he was not afraid to blame the warmongers be it Bush or Blair. In a world full of darkness he shone a light; a beacon to guide others to the right path and show us that some things are worth fighting for to preserve our moral and common ground. As much as others try to divide us we must stand together for those things that make all of our lives worth living. Rest in peace Tony you will not be forgotten and I see no other politician who can walk tall in your footsteps. Respect and condolences to the family and friends of Tony Benn…a legend in every sense of the word. Benjamin Zac
Tony Benn is such a great loss. My brother painted him for the National Portrait Gallery and loved him and loved every minute of painting him. He has always been a man who is so up my street. One of the very few real democrats. I used to be a card holding Labour member, but under Blair I sent my card back. I couldn’t stand the man and what he was doing. Good luck with all you are doing. Thank goodness for you. Sarah Ravenscroft
For decades he was the smartest rallying voice for millions of working Britons, which is why he was constantly demonised by Old Etonians, hell-bent on war and social division. A terrible loss for our country and the global peace movement. Rich Horner
I often went on marches and I was always very happy to see him and talk to him .I had great admiration for him, and we shall all miss him so much. Madeleine Kekwick, 84-years-old
You encouraged me Tony Benn Stuart Dave Chambers
Lindsey German’s tribute to Tony Benn at the People’s Assembly, 15/03/14
Thank you I would very much appreciate the opportunity to celebrate Tony’s life with like minded people and of course to continue the cause. Tanya Pascual
What a wonderful man and wonderful words! This is the Tony that should have led the Labour Party..only they did not want gems, they wanted a polished turd. Sahida Uddin
A truly noble man who chose to fight for the rights of the under-privileged instead of wallowing in the privilege to which he was born. RIP. Chris Millgate-Smith
Maybe if supporters donate to the Stop the War campaign in Tony’s memory- or the No Glory group as it’s the 100 year anniversary of the ‘war to end all wars’ (not) – we can raise funds, raise public awareness & make Tony proud. Let’s raise hope, profile and funds in memory of a true peace keeper, a lover of people and a real and rare gentleman in every sense of the word. Helene Thomas
Rest in peace sir, your honest approach to politics was uplifting and heartwarming and gave hope, where before there was none. May your legacy live on. Once again you will be greatly missed by all. Darren Eversley
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a Benn Day holiday – perhaps the August one? Jeanette Wyatt
He was a pride of humanity. I salute to his integrity and hard work for human rights. Abbas Baig
Thank you he was a very fine man. I am one of those nobodies whom he treated so politely when we spoke. Too bad more don’t follow his example . Janet Sproule
I was priviledged enough to hear you speak on many occasions. You will be sorely missed, but your message will never die. Zahir Zedd Butt
