AddThis SmartLayers

Union mourns death of NUJ member Tony Benn

The National Union of Journalists joined those mourning the death of former MP and NUJ member of honour Tony Benn.

The former Labour cabinet minister died at his home in London this morning, aged 88.

NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: “Tony’s commitment to journalism and his support for broader trade union principles brought him the respect and admiration of members across the NUJ.

“He was a great parliamentarian, an inspiring speaker and a champion for trade union values. He was a long-term member, member of honour and a stalwart supporter of the NUJ. He will be much missed.”

Mr Benn joined the NUJ in January 1950 while he was working for the BBC.  He also opened its new headquarters at Headland House in King’s Cross in 2001.

John McDonnell MP, secretary of the NUJ Parliamentary Group, said: “Tony Benn was the articulate advocate of socialism who inspired my generation and gave us all hope of a fair and equal society.”

One comment

You can follow all replies to this entry through the comments feed.
  • March 17, 2014 at 10:18 am
    Permalink

    Tony Benn joined NUJ picket lines outside the Yorkshire Post Newspapers building in Leeds on more than one occasion, attracting publicity for our actions and causes, and lifting morale. He was also joined on our line by his son Hilary, Labour MP for Leeds Central, and a good friend of the NUJ. Tony’s death is an enormous loss to the labour and trades union movement. Tony was a Member of Honour of the NUJ, and none more deservedly so. Peter Lazenby, former Joint FoC Yorkshire Post/Evening Post Joint Chapel.

    Report this comment

    Like this comment(0)