 |
 |
|
|
| |
TONY BENN
The edited transcript with Tony Benn, continued...
|
|
|
|
John2 In what ways do you think that the government would behave differently if faced with a stronger and more popular Conservative opposition?
Tony Benn It is difficult to guess, but in many ways, New Labour has followed the policy started by Mrs Thatcher, in privatisation, protecting the richest people from tax increases, isolating the trade unions, and controlling local government. So that is why the British establishment has tended to support New Labour.
HytheKent Dear Mr Benn, I have just watched BBC Four and thoroughly enjoyed your talk. I am 22 years old and have just graduated from university. I am also gay and would like to know the view you take on gay rights.
Tony Benn I'm absolutely 100% in favour of people being allowed to choose their own lifestyle and be respected for the choice they make. I have always taken that view.
spidey What is the biggest threat to the world today, Al Qaeda, Saddam Hussein, HIV or something else?
Tony Benn 68 million people may die of Aids, but if President Bush launches a war against Iraq, the Middle East may go up in flames, and you cannot beat terrorism unless you understand the root of it and resolve the problems that feed it.
gray Do you think there is an Americanisation of world (and UK) culture? If so what can we do about it?
Tony Benn When we talk about Americanisation we are discussing the impact that American economic, industrial and cultural power, based on the biggest empire the world has ever known, has upon us all. I believe we will need a fairer, more equal, more democratic world, that respects the culture and traditions of every people and protects the environment from exploitation for profit.
Geoff1 Assuming one accepts the premise that the euro would eventually bring about European political union and appropriate democratic structures, why are you so opposed to it?
Tony Benn I am opposed to the euro because it is a major constitutional change that transfers political power from the government that we elect, like the Germans, French and Italians, and hands it over to commissioners and bankers whom we do not elect and cannot remove. This is a political decision, not an economic one, that the Treasury can solve with its computer.
johnh How different would the Labour party be if John Smith was still alive?
Tony Benn I knew John Smith very well. He was my deputy, and a fine man, who would have made a fine leader, and we should have not had spin as we have now. His death was a tragedy, but today I think the Labour Party is moving back towards the values he believed in.
LMcKibbin I saw your programme tonight, and you criticised the BBC, and people like Humphrys and Paxman? Aren't they doing a good job?
Tony Benn I like John Humphrys very much, and Nick Clarke, and I have worked with Paxman, but bullying politicians, and encouraging gossip and confrontation to amuse the viewers sometimes puts people off politics because they never hear a serious argument at any length.
Bryanmc How do you view the current crisis in capitalism where we lurch from one recession into another and no one seems to know what's happening?
Tony Benn The collapse in world share prices could be very serious because in the 1930s it brought fascism to Italy and Germany and Spain and caused a war. Pensioners could find their savings slashed and face poverty in old age after preparing for a safe retirement. We must plan for people's needs and not let the gamblers take over the world.
matjohn Do you have any qualms about your son serving the new Labour administration?
Tony Benn I am very proud indeed of my son, Hilary, who worked for a trade union for 25 years; served on a local authority for 20 years as deputy leader and chairman of the Education Committee; moving on as an advisor, then an MP, and now a minister with a difficult job - prisons. He is brilliant and I am very proud of him indeed.
simiain How do you see Great Britain evolving over the next century?
Tony Benn I think Britain will change as the world becomes more international, and we shall be enriched by people from other countries just as British immigrants enriched America, Australia, Canada, India and Africa. But we must see that in a world of moving populations we respect everyone whatever their national origin, religion or colour.
KishmulStaggie As a society can we ever justify euthanasia?
Tony Benn I am very nervous about a law that allows anyone to kill anyone else, because it could be easily abused. On the other hand, you have to accept that many doctors will, if asked, help people through pain and suffering, even if it hastens their departure. My mother said to me, death is God's last and greatest gift to the living, and it is a comforting thought.
farhad What is your opinion regarding the calls for Henry Kissinger to be prosecuted for war crimes?
Tony Benn I do not like to personalise any conflict, but what the Americans did in Vietnam when Kissinger was Secretary of State amounted to a war crime on a massive scale, and a million Vietnamese died. That is why the Americans do not want an international criminal court for fear that they might be subject to a trial.
JimmyWilliams Where can I find a listing of the venues for your tour?
Tony Benn I will be appearing in the evenings of
Tuesday 23 July Salisbury Hall, Salisbury
Tuesday 6 August New Theatre, Cardiff
Tuesday 13 August Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
Wednesday 14 Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
Sunday 8 September Madder Market Theatre, Norwich
Thursday 12 September Reading Town Hall, Reading
Di How in your busy life did you find time to write a diary everyday?
Tony Benn In September I am publishing another volume, Free At Last, which will complete 61 years. A brilliant editor, Ruth Winstone, has chipped away at the blocks of verbal granite and found interesting things that people seem to want to read. I shall do it tonight, before I go to bed, including this interesting cross-examination.
klink What are the three most important attributes for a modern politician?
Tony Benn The most important assets for a politician are first of all to understand what is happening, which is sometimes quite difficult. Secondly, to represent people's interests faithfully, and thirdly to say what you mean and mean what you say.
simon2 What is your favourite tv/radio programme?
Tony Benn I enjoy Rory Bremner, Casualty and I listen to the Today Programme. My editor Ruth Winstone is fanatical about the Archers.
Bennismyhero Do you still drink so much tea?
Tony Benn I am a big tea drinker, and once on a train, with a calculator, I worked out that I have drunk enough tea to float the QE2! And there are moments which persuade me that that must be true. But what a drink!
BBC Host Here's Tony with a final word...
Tony Benn I've enjoyed this very much. I think this an important new form of communication. Because David (the typist) has been typing it, my answers have had to be very short, which those watching will appreciate!
BBC Host Sorry if your question didn't get answered - there just wasn't enough time to cover them all. Tony just told us that he did the Wimbledon commentary for the BBC in the late 1940s ... bet you didn't know that!
Tony Benn will be appearing in the evenings of
Tuesday 23 July Salisbury Hall, Salisbury
Tuesday 6 August New Theatre, Cardiff
Tuesday 13 August Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
Wednesday 14 August Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
Sunday 8 September Madder Market Theatre, Norwich
Thursday 12 September Reading Town Hall, Reading
Return to beginning of transcript...
Previous programmes on BBC Four
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Further links
Tony Benn's extreme opinions and powerful rhetoric made him one of Parliament's most entertaining advocates. Read his profile
|
|
|
|
BBC News
On the eve of his departure from the House Of Commons, March 2001, Tony Benn talks of his hopes for the future
More live chat transcripts
Roly Keating Controller, BBC Four
Ray Gosling veteran TV and radio broadcaster
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
