Goodbye Mr Benn

So the morning fog in London brings with it the sad news of Tony Benn's death at the age of 88.

Amidst a long career replete with the sort of achievements and rigour that makes most modern politicians look anemic by comparison stands the Health and Safety at Work act of 1974. If nothing else this piece of legislation has benefited tens of millions of workers in the United Kingdom. While no piece of legislation is the work of one individual, Benn as Secretary of State for Industry was the guiding force behind this act. 

The fact that in offices across the country today people will walk past the notice hanging on the wall, will stand with their back to it while they make cups of tea and may never give it a serious look doesn't matter. What matters is that it's contents are law and that it is a guarantee that everyone has the right to a safe working environment.

Benn was no slouch either when it came to his analysis of the dynamics of politics and in particular the origins of power and privilege. As well as getting the law changed so that he could renounce his title and be free of something he never wanted; he left us with the following handy note from 2005 about democracy and power.

Five Questions to ask the Powerful

1. What power have you got?
2. Where did you get it from?
3. In whose interests do you exercise it?
4. To whom are you accountable?
5. How can we get rid of you?

ONLY Democracy gives us this right. That is why no-one with power likes Democracy and that is why every generation must struggle to win it and keep it - including you and me; here and now.

Tony Benn 2005