Tony Benn, born as Anthony Neil Wedgwood Benn on April 3, 1925, in London, England, came from a family with a strong political background. His father, William Wedgwood Benn, was a Member of Parliament and later served as Viscount Stansgate, while his mother, Margaret Wedgwood Benn, was the first President of the Congressional Federation.
Benn's upbringing was immersed in politics, and he learned early on the importance of public service and social justice. He attended Westminster School and later studied at New College, Oxford, where he became involved in left-wing politics and activism.
After serving in the Royal Air Force during World War II, Benn decided to follow in his father's footsteps and pursue a career in politics. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Bristol South East in 1950, beginning a political career that would span nearly five decades.
Throughout his time in office, Benn was a staunch advocate for workers' rights, nuclear disarmament, and social equality. He held various ministerial positions, including Secretary of State for Industry and Energy, Postmaster General, and Minister of Technology.
In addition to his work in government, Benn was a passionate activist and campaigner. He played a key role in founding the Stop the War Coalition in 2001 and served as its President until 2014. He was a vocal critic of the Iraq War and campaigned tirelessly for peace and justice around the world.
Benn's commitment to social justice extended beyond his own country. He met Mahatma Gandhi in 1931 and was deeply influenced by his principles of non-violence and civil disobedience. Throughout his life, Benn remained dedicated to fighting injustice and inequality wherever he saw it.
Benn was married to Caroline DeCamp for over fifty years, and together they had four children: Stephen, Hilary, Melissa, and Joshua. His family was a source of strength and support throughout his career, and he often credited them with keeping him grounded and focused on his principles.
Tony Benn passed away on March 14, 2014, at the age of 88. He left behind a legacy of passionate advocacy and unwavering commitment to social justice. His impact on British politics and activism continues to be felt today, as his ideas and principles inspire a new generation of leaders and activists.
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