Like Father Like Son?

I haven't read it as such trisher. It's a testament perhaps to his father that Hilary Benn felt so passionate about the subject, old labour values, freedom of speech.

I don't think so. I think he had given it a lot of thought and believed strongly in what he said.

Why isn't he the leader of the Opposition? He's a much better politician.

Tony Benn would not voted as his son did

No. He was thinking for himself. Good on him.

Jingle, he isn't leader of the oposition because he didn't stand for the post

When Tony Benn gave his speech against military action in Iraq he spoke about his personal experiences during WW2. Perhaps the difference between father and son is that one had experienced the horror of bombs while the other, like many of our generation, has been fortunate enough never to do so. I can't believe that Tony would be happy with his son's stance, however good the speech he gave.

I know it was a passionate and hearfelt speech I wonder about his thinking though. It is sometimes the case that a child raised in a family of strong beliefs only feels he can make his mark by taking the opposite view and Tony Benn was such a strong advocate of peace.

I felt it was a speech from the heart rather than HB trying to make his mark. But it's made me want to read more about the Benn family. From somewhere? I'd always had the impression they were a loving family. Caroline and Tony Benn were a very loving, strong couple I believe.

Yes, ab. I did wonder whether that was the case. Why didn't he stand?

I knew Caroline and Tony Benn , not close friends but through Michael Foot who was a family friend. Tony and Caroline adored each other and yes a very close family. Tony was thrilled his granddaughter was going into politics . I don't think he would have criticised his son for voting to bomb Syria, he would have been disappointed his son did not share his beliefs but that's natural

(You are the fount of all knowledge, aren't you? )

that was to ab and referred to my previous post.

No Jingle, often pointed out I am rather stupid here. But I was in the company of the people I mentioned , did listen to their views , did meet them on anti war rallies and at Labour Party conferences , and very much too during the miners strike

Thank you Anniebach I was very shocked when I heard Caroline Benn had died but they always seemed so very much in love. As Michael Foot loved and adored his wife, Jill, I believe. I do like to see the human side of members of parliament.

If, as I believe it was, Hilary was speaking form the heart, his father would have been proud of him. He would only have been saddened if his son had gone against his own, personal principles. Different men, different times, different situations.

Jam Jar, did you know Tony Benn bought the park bench where he had proposed to Caroline, he kept it in his garden , how romantic is that

No I didn't know that Annie now that is very romantic! I hope it's still in one of the family's garden, sure it must be.

I do wish career politicians like Benn and daughter experienced more of life than politics. Going back behind the parapet now.

I would think that Tony Benn would respect his son for his beliefs and his decision even if he did not agree with him.

I too wondered why HB did not stand for the leadership of the Labour Party. Also watching the debate there were MPs speaking who I had forgotten about, like Margaret Beckett. And here is me thinking that the Labour Party was short on experienced, talented people. Not so.

No, they're not Jayh, but perhaps they didn't want to stand for leader as it is so stressful and exhausting. Perhaps they thought they would leave it to the younger ones - then got a 66 year old!!
(is he pensionable age yet?)

I've just listened to his speech , the applause at the end was almost all from the conservative benches. I was cringing.
As Alex Salmond has said recently, I think his father would be turning in his grave.

I think his father would be turning in his grave.
I am not sure about that, he is not a clone of his father, he is an independent minded man and I am sure his father, whilst he would probably have disagreed with him, would have agreed to differ - after heated debate.

Alex Salmond has no right to say that