The Benn Tapes - Vol 1

Tony Benn

Dec 2004 · BBC Digital Audio · Narrated by Tony Benn and Full Cast

About this audiobook

This is the first series of Labour MP Tony Benn’s behind-the-scenes revelations from the highly acclaimed BBC Radio 4 series. 'The Observer' called it ‘Irresistible fly-on-the-wall history as it actually happens.’ Late each night for over twenty-five years the Labour MP and former Secretary of State Tony Benn sat alone and dictated onto tape his account of the daily events at the heart of government. The immediacy, passion and mood is striking as he unburdens himself of the pressure and stress, trials and tribulations of government and opposition with accounts veering from anecdotal to almost confessional. Events recalled in the first of these unique and remarkable recordings - heard by the public for the very first time on Radio 4 - include Harold Wilson’s surprise resignation in 1976; the potentially catastrophic 1977 strike at Windscale; the year-long miners’ strike in 1984 and the general election in 1992.

About the author

Radical statesman and Member of Parliament for over fifty years, Tony Benn is the pre-eminent diarist of his generation. His political activity continued after 'retirement' through mass meetings, broadcasts and in more recent years through social media. A widower since 2000, Tony Benn died at his home in London on 14th March 2014.