Tony Benn | Full Address | Oxford Union

The veteran Labour politician Tony Benn became President of the Oxford Union in 1947, just three years before he succeeded Sir Stafford Cripps to become MP for Bristol South East -the start of his 50 year Parliamentary career. He last spoke at the Union one year ago... The
Rt Hon Tony Benn 1925-2014
Tony Benn gives his address to the Oxford Union Society.
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Tony Benn begins by outlining that the theme of his talk will be on the question of how does the current generation of graduates succeed in overcoming the problems they face in the world today; mass unemployment, growth of nuclear weapons and a global economy dominated by banks and global corporations.
He speaks of how there was mass unemployment in the 1930's however during times of war there is full employments as budgets do not come into account but rather the need to get things done. He says that was the secret of the 1945 election that they would apply the same determination to meet the needs of peace that you did to meet the needs of war.
He goes on to say you have to work very hard to get anything done and uses the example of campaigning for votes for women to illustrate this point. His experience of progress is starting with a good idea like votes for women then they ignore you, they attack you, they imprison you and then you win and in the aftermath you won't find anyone at the top who doesn't say that they thought of it first.
He follows on by saying that if we approach the problems of the future in that spirit then we will succeed. The world in its current state needs a radical change in thinking and its up to new generations to think it out for themselves and have courage to push forward with their ideas.
Filmed on Thursday 7th February 2013
ABOUT TONY BENN:
Rt Hon Tony Benn was a Member of Parliament for 50 years, and a Cabinet Minister under Harold Wilson and James Callaghan. He served as Minister of Technology, Secretary of State for Energy, Secretary of State for Industry as well as Chairman of the Labour Party.
Benn has topped several polls as the 'most popular politician in Britain'; he has been described as 'one of the few UK politicians to have become more left-wing after holding ministerial office'.
He is currently President of the Stop the War Coalition.
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY:
The Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. It has been established for 189 years, aiming to promote debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.
Rights managed by Oxford Media Associates www.oxfordmediaassociates.com/
Filmed by Oxford Media Solutions www.oxfordmediasolutions.co.uk

[@kazbluesky]

I feel ashamed of myself for being brainwashed by the right wing media about Tony Ben during the 80's. When I started to think for myself and started to actually listen to what this good man was actually saying I was shocked at how I could have got this man so wrong. Decent, honest, principled, kindhearted and brave man. This man cried with pride when his son was admitted to the house of commons as a Labour MP. I just love this man now. In a just world he whould have been PM........

[@kerryfry1857]

You are my friend. ♥️ He hasn't gone away. He's in our hearts. He will forever, encourage us!

[@salesteambsclnz6116]

I agree. As a young kid, I fell for the bs of the then media!

[@brendanwild1483]

Jeremy Corbyn should be recognised now in the same way, as an honest and professional non selfish politician. Unfortunately the Tory press poisons the masses!

[@Oetti]

This has been the hardest death I've ever dealt with in my young life so far... Rest in eternal peace, Tony Benn... miss you desperately.

[@kingoftheseamusic]

Praise be Tony Benn, who may not be long for this world, but who we will never forget for campaigning for what is right, what is moral, what is progressive and what is destined.

[@AsadAli-jc5tg]

Stop spreading misinformation, he never campaigned for the Right, he always fought for the Left against the Right. Maybe you're some 'Kinnock-ian' or a 'Thatcherite'.

[@kerryfry1857]

My Hero. As a Bristolian myself. You make me proud.

[@connor-bj6ku]

And he still stands up to speak. What a great individual

[@kerryfry1857]

He encourages us!

[@pennymountain3589]

Love this man, Thank you Tony Benn for always representing the People. You are still an inspiration, Always will be with your Wise words and humanity RIP x

[@patriciaarnold1891]

2020/2021 if only we had strong, good and honest people like this wonderful man among our politicians today, we would be in a much better place.

[@pgl0897]

Utterly inspirational. It's heartbreaking that we can't give the man another 30 years, when he is needed more than ever, but he's still battling on speaking wherever he is asked. Can't wait to hear him again at Glasto this year. Every time I do now, I worry it might be the last opportunity.

[@philsooty5421]

A great, great selfless man, there are none left like him, a man of integrity and knowledge plus commitment to do his job but not for profit, unlike these career politicians we are stuck with now.

[@chrisarcher6972]

There are, in fact, some left like him: I believe he was quite an influence on a man who became an MP - Jeremy something or other...

[@sg8539]

The real Big Benn of England, r.i.p friend of humanity.

[@RearAdmiralNashiba]

There's no disguising his age, but I think it speaks all the more to Mr. Benn's resilience, that he can deliver that articulate and lengthy an address, and damn the dentures.

[@GeaVox]

RIP Old Friend... can't stop crying... with you we've lost the best of our conscience! Love, always... BEST OF BRITISH!

[@AsadAli-jc5tg]

We still have Trade Unions! We'll overthrow Capitalism.

[@3storiesUp]

A wonderful gentle wise man ..never fully appreciated in his own country,

[@tony13a]

Such a great man.

[@MemoryLaneCinema]

People like Tony made/make the world a better place.

[@alfievine]

Politician of the century, great man. He encouraged me.....

[@kerryfry1857]

He encouraged us, all!

[@syedadeelhussain2691]

A good honest man

[@markvine7067]

Absolute Legend.

[@mikewalsh6168]

We will never see his likes again. RIP Tony Benn on the afternoon of his funeral. This video shows his mind as sharp as ever even though he was slowing down just a little

[@deniro999]

Im standing and applauding. thank the Lord almighty for Tony Benn, a giant and a gentleman.

[@mistaben2k]

Agreed, we all know now that it's not long before he passes, but what a fantastic raconteur he has been. If only he had become prime minister..

[@leightondavies7413]

Met the Great Man twice ,brilliant man ,Legend

[@seanmoran2743]

I’m not a Tony Benn supporter- but I respected him and partially agree with him

[@blindpew6325]

great man

[@vin645]

Look at this guy - 87 years old, shaky on his feet and with dentures that make it difficult for him to speak, and yet he's still getting out there to speak about the things that matter.

[@DuncanWalsh]

A politician like none other! I actually find myself listening to what he has to say.

[@philjones3346]

Tony Benn is the finest politician of his generation. He has never sold out or been a traitor to the cause of Socialism. We will miss him when he's gone.

[@UmerKhan-yj7wk]

inspiration ❤️

[@aidanharrison3888]

It really comes down to this . Do we want people to have happy fulfilling lives ? Or do we want people to live through a storm of shite ?

[@user-hv5uy7ct6g]

What an amazing person he was.

[@1wannabee1]

I feel quite sad watching Tony here. His physical body is beginning to show the wear of his years. But his mind? THAT is STILL sharp as a bloody razor. What a truly remarkable man and a lovely 'human being'.

[@rocketracer69]

Heroic.

[@GeoffonTour]

Rest in Peace Tony, great man

[@paulfitzpatrick6536]

My hero😢

[@fifthgear93]

I first found about that guy when I watched Michael Moore's film Sicko. Tony Benn is amazing.

[@lizhang9898]

mid 2019 and I still listen to Mr. Benn

[@kerryfry1857]

Me too ♥️

[@edwilson1075]

In the world in the mess it is today how i miss the forensic logic and historical perspective of this brilliant man..Saw him speak a few times at rallys and on Any Questions and he could literally have any audience captivated and bury any Tory argument...I would do anything for a labour voice as clear and inspirational as that today....

[@JN003]

Whatever side of the political sprectrum you may lean towards all must agree Tony Benn is a good, honest man - unfortunately rare in the political world.

[@jerryd777]

RIP Tony Benn

[@KJM.72]

RIP Tony one of the best political figures this country has had he should have been prime minister why would any decent level headed person thumbs down this vlog disgraceful

[@mrsfreeeeducation]

Rest In Peace. Lots of lovely tributes everywhere for you. I have added a track you did in 1996 to my channel!

[@jaypee8768]

1990, then in 1998 - he was proven right about the iraq war. Why is he not the PM? A man of absolutely impeccable character and indeed a true embodiment of the quintessential english gentleman . Politicians dont come like this very often. If there is one man Brits can can truely be proud of, this is the man.

[@jamesandkateontv]

The flame is still alive, if the body is showing it's age. I just watched the excellent KZbin 'Meet Tony Benn', which was shot in 2007, and the difference is apparent. God bless him. The only British politician I truly had respect for. Principled and courageous, not careerist.

[@IRememberTheOldDays]

His body may be failing him, but his mind is still as sharp as ever - its just soul destroying to watch him push on as his teeth try and fall out - so much respect for this great man.

[@luisatilano1]

Legendary Tony!

[@sexynelson100]

Jeremy Corbyn was influenced by the great Tony Benn.

[@nestorsdragon8057]

nelson 100 Benn would be disappointed with Corbyn's pro-EU stance

[@sexynelson100]

Nestor's Dragon I think he'd be more disapointed with his own son who waited until his dads death to smear everything he worked towards.. even his own colleagues should wonder why

[@nestorsdragon8057]

Yeah. He'd be pretty disappointed in the Labour Party which has essentially become Israel's bitch

[@allpoliticsnoeconomics4186]

Not just influenced by, but was a very good friend of Tony Benn. Benn called Corbyn his favourite MP

[@WOLFROY47]

it's not just ali G who said to him, big respect. tony is a rere political figure, who has tried his best, to put the everyday man, woman first, before, just doing the job, to line his own pockets

[@mikprint]

Brilliant speaker even now

[@donaldcrawford5577]

7 years ago, however, he is one of the true labour politicians. compared to modern lot.

[@tellul8r]

It saddens me to see people like Tony Benn and Noam Chomsky so frail, and no one around to speak like them when they go. I hope they both can outlive us all!

[@kerryfry1857]

Me too. But they pass the baton. To us. Teach others, and share on social media. They only die, if we let it happen.

[@muzterman]

He is what gives me hope in this unsettling world, not Religion, not Get Rich Scheme's. Humility is the only deed that has the weight to enable joy,pain or disappointment. Tony has been at the coal face, to bring change for good health, freedom of expression and he know's the value of hard work, in which rewards you with your own sense of self-worth. Ask me if this makes sense. It applies to all parliaments. Why do Labour politicians look slightly healthier and younger than the Tories? A. Guilt

[@beeryweery]

I made a point of going to hear Tony Benn at an election meeting in Orpington in 1983 I was inspired to join the Labour party, but was disenchanted by the election of Kinnock as leader

[@edbadyt]

How can anyone call this guy a mad man? We'd be german if not for great men like this.

[@wanelobajohn3292]

Listening to Benn sounds like listening to Noam Chomsky I a different voice

[@WOLFROY47]

i do wish, that they would stop saying free health care, when, we all know, where the money comes from ? our taxes

[@joelhall5124]

The "full address" is less than 8 minutes?

[@tomservo75]

This is the same person who appeared with Michael Moore saying (while laughing) the best way to control people is by making them afraid and demoralizing them.

[@thejfoshow1320]

He wasn’t last demoralised fearful people mate

[@SFSylvester]

Anyone else hypnotised by his teeth?

[@GeaVox]

Note.. no notes, not even a bullet-point list! :D What a mind!

[@ThomasBoyd-ex5vr]

Tony Benn upper class he excellent did achieve anything for English people in England, as Italian citizen nurse within Britain England. Better off Labour MP Woodrow Wyatt he knows how Labour party runs Britain. Keep Left Woodrow Wyatt Labour party MP conservative party worse kind Nigel Lawson Tory Chancellor. He Whig party Liberal Tony Benn.

[@wiggledytoes]

I first found out about Tony Benn when he falsed a Gaza appeal on the BBC news

[@Bryndles79]

He's brilliant, but he doesn't half sound like George off Rainbow nowadays.

[@dat3tree]

what damage?

[@starman900]

aw, Benn looking like age is catching up with him. Sad to see

[@HabitsofLife]

I was expecting at least a house number.

[@cynthiacrank228]

He might be end of life but you could have been a bit more respectful but god bless you

[@ysgol3]

I'm a teacher and he's the undoubted leader of my profession.

[@wblakesx]

imagine, people died to fight hitler and he at least had a purpose greater than simply lording it over the weak. my words are chosen

[@TeachingTim]

If he gave up his peerage what on earth would he do with a kingship? We'd be a republic by the morning after. ;-)

[@bailesjd1]

His dentures coming loose makes him sound really feeble. But watch another clip and they must get sorted. He is old, but got a shock watching just this clip!

[@pgl0897]

Rarely given it much thought, but I suppose by most definitions I'm somewhere in between the old fashioned categories of Working Class and Middle Class. Quite what that's got to do with anything tho I'm not really sure?? All that said, having looked at the rest of the recent comments you've made on KZbin, it's nothing but anger, abuse and hostility to others so perhaps I should take anything you say with a large pinch of salt. One Love.

[@cnferguson5]

Is Jeremy Corbyn a good leader?

[@nestorsdragon8057]

Charles Ferguson He's a joke

[@heatingandplumbing8241]

Jeremy Corbyn is the next Prime Minister

[@FooCork20]

You really have a lack of understanding of the Northern Ireland conflict if you think it was wrong of this gentleman to support Sinn Féin during the troubles. While I don't support attacks on civilians for one moment, I think it was necessary for the IRA to attack british military targets in the north, to send a message to westminster that treating the nationalist/republican population in the north like vermin, would not be tolerated. As for the Falklands, I don't know enough to judge...

[@trevorcharlesmorgan]

Before the industrial revolution and free market capitalism everyone except a wealthy elite were poor. During Carl Marx's life and before socialism was ever tried the average income for the ordinary man rose 300%. It is entirely inaccurate to attribute rising living standards to socialism as the first phase of rising living standards happened well before socialism or communism was ever tired. The first time mass living standards rose in human history was concurrent with the birth of free market capitalism not socialism or Marxism. Socialism and communism destroy living standards, look at Soviet Russia, Communist china as was, North Korea, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Cuba. Not only were all these countries made poor by communism and socialism but they also suffered under dictatorship which is justified by Marxist theory.

[@aimeemacdn]

Disgraceful that she/they didn't even take his coat off and put it on a hanger. Sounds trivial but it shows the total disregard for his elderly condition and disrespect.

[@3558035580]

What the hell is a "meritocratic" monarchy?

[@ObiJoe808]

Benn is a G no doubt, I saw him speak at Glastonbury 08, righteous brother, wise man, big respect. But I wanna get to know that hot piece of tamale sitting next to him!

[@illegalsmirf]

What a lovely young blonde lady =^.^=

[@green500]

Tony Benn supports the imposition multi racial society that allows these people to live here/come here and inflict these acts on the british people

[@Anagzable]

How was he evil?

[@green500]

7/7 attacks woolwich attack kriss donald

[@green500]

The multi racial society

[@sebwbaodowd2746]

Nothing wrong with it

[@josephgoogles1927]

Does democratic socialist still exist?

[@craighobson1797]

mr benn please retire and give my best wishes to ur banker grandaughterxxxx

[@barnbersonol]

There are plenty of jobs in war time but you very quickly run out of money, Mr Benn. Simple economics tend to get in the way of almost every brilliant idea.

[@rjc7186]

you should take this down he forgot to glue in his teeth

[@rjc7186]

Bloody Tories they wanna turn us all into inDentured servants

[@rjc7186]

We have to fight them Tooth and Nail

[@deathletter69]

bit of denture trouble there!

[@dat3tree]

lol the english were an heterogeneous people before he was born,

[@rODIUMuk]

That was a terrible intro.

[@rsbones6216]

he worships owls. I'd rather listen to the cute blonde. She can maybe lecture on sandwich making or sewing. Like every woman should.