More Time for Politics: Diaries 2001-2007

Tony Benn Diaries #8

by Tony Benn

When Tony Benn left Parliament after 51 years he quoted his wife Caroline’s remark that now he would have "more time for politics." And so this has proved: in the first seven years of this century, he has helped reinvigorate national debate through public meetings, mass campaigns, and appearances in the media, passionately bringing moral and political issues to wide audiences. And throughout, as ever, he has been keeping his diaries.

Commenting on the demise of the New Labor project from the reelection of Tony Blair in 2001 to the ultimate foreign policy disaster of Iraq, he gives prescient accounts of the government’s by-passing of Cabinet, parliament, and the party, of the "war on terror," the debate about Islam, globalisation, and the changes in British society. Although he is no longer in power or in parliament, Tony Benn remains a figure of enormous respect whose direct views, honestly expressed, have often awakened the national conscience. His latest Diaries, human and challenging in turn, are an enthralling read.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Biography, Diary

416 pages, Hardcover

First published January 22, 2007

About the author

Anthony Neil Wedgwood "Tony" Benn, PC, formerly 2nd Viscount Stansgate, was a British Labour Party politician. He served as a Member of Parliament from 1951 until 2001, and was a Cabinet Minister under Harold Wilson and James Callaghan in the 1960s and 1970s. After his retirement from the House of Commons, he continued his activism and served as president of the Stop the War Coalition.

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feeling sad because I've read all the diaries now. In this volume Tony Benn has left parliament (more or less), and is adjusting to life as a widower. He doesn't seem to slow down much despite his advancing years. Honest about his feelings, tactfully avoiding the family
differences over politics, always proud of his children in spite of those differences. Very good on Tony Blair, if you're not a fan that is!

[Mark Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wouldn't count myself as anywhere near the Left these days but Tony Benn will always remain a hero of mine. These extraordinarily well written diaries will remain treasured possessions always.

[Maria Dutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting - took me a long time to read but snippets of it have stuck with me.

[Philip McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into the life and events of a politician with strong principles, not afraid of controversy. On many occasions is clear-sighted, but does have his blind spots.

[Dot Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up in this period, it was so interesting to read into the political landscape from an adult perspective, and Tony Benn provides ample convivial reasoning and views behind the events, big and small, that occurred at the turn of the century. I can't wait to work my way backwards and devour the rest of his diaries.

[Joyceling]

LOVED this volume, such wonderful insights and commentary! It is also like reading current events as we still struggle with Iraq. As a close follower of English politics, this
was very satisfying.

[Chris Frean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grew up listening to Benn drone on and on and on the TV about "the working class", stuck in his rut. Found him very irritating back then. But am now working my way through his diaries in no particular order.

[Amy]

He is my hero!!!!