RIP Tony Ben

[Pandyboy]

I see that Tony Ben has passed away. Regardless of your political views he stuck to his guns. He was also a pipe smoker that's really why I posted this.

[monkey66]

I didn't agree with much of his politics but had a huge admiration for the man. RIP.

[Sean]

I had never heard of him till today

[ValeTudoGuy]

I had never heard of him till today

Im surprised, he's probably one of the most well known politicians of his era. He divided opinion and what I think of his politics is regardless. I heard an interview with him recently and he was a family man who articulated his thoughts well and respectfully.

He lost the love of his life in 2000 and I don't think he ever truly recovered, I hope his passing finally brings him peace.

[Robert747]

I didn't agree with much of his politics but had a huge admiration for the man. RIP.

I totally agree with that statement. I read a biography of him years ago - a giant of a politician.

[EdBlackadder]

He was subverting of a hero to me, politically, and a figure of immense decency and integrity. I'm glad he was with those he loved at the end.

[Sean]

Im surprised, he's probably one of the most well known politicians of his era. He divided opinion and what I think of his politics is regardless. I heard an interview with him recently and he was a family man who articulated his thoughts well and respectfully. He lost the love of his life in 2000 and I don't think he ever truly recovered, I hope his passing finally brings him peace.

I have never been one for politics mate but is sad news though

[Simon Bolivar]

You have to respect a politician who has principles & ideals, who sticks by them even when told to moderate his views by his own party, in order that they might actually get elected. Today's bunch will say anything you want them to, just to get elected & then do whatever takes their fancy when actually in power. Tony was indeed a giant amongst pigmys but had more actualy sucess as a husband & father than as a minister. And he managed it without having to give up his seat at some embarassing juncture to spend more time with them. As for his extreme left wing views & the damage he did to the country moving the unions & certian councils to slightly left of Chairman Mao, we'll let that lie with his bones.
I wonder if he lit his pipe up in the Commons bar after the rest of us had been banned from smoking in all our local bars & private clubs?

[PeeJay]

I would imagine the Commons Bar is exempt from the ban wouldn't you?

[Agricola]

I would imagine the Commons Bar is exempt from the ban wouldn't you?

Those who make the law are rarely obliged to follow it ... FACT!

[EdBlackadder]

Actually I believe the Commons Bar is explicitly exempt as the law makers felt it would be unseemly to be caught outside Westminster with a sly fag on.

[Sligub]

I would imagine the Commons Bar is exempt from the ban wouldn't you?

Those who make the law are rarely obliged to follow it ... FACT!

Actually I believe the Commons Bar is explicitly exempt as the law makers felt it would be unseemly to be caught outside Westminster with a sly fag on.

The entire House of Commons is except as it's a royal residence but a ban has been put in place since the legislation was passed.


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[Simon Bolivar]

The Commons are exempt, as hotels bedrooms (at owners discretion) ae HM Prisons & Oilrigs. My point was whether he would have excersied his right to smoke, when his leftie unionists were banned from smoking in thier working man clubs. If oyu can turn down a peerage, refusing to light up on principle should be easy.

[EdBlackadder]

Well being as he'd been out of parliament for about 6 years when the ban he was in the same boat as the rest of us on this one.

[ValeTudoGuy]

Well being as he'd been out of parliament for about 6 years when the ban he was in the same boat as the rest of us on this one.

You sir, provide a valid argument.