Tony Benn‘s legacy is a testament to the power of relentless advocacy and the courage to demand the seemingly impossible. His influence not only touched those who met him but continued to resonate with activists worldwide striving for justice and equity.

On April 11, Tony’s daughter Melissa Benn, Jeremy Corbyn and Yanis Varoufakis addressed an audience at the University of Westminster dedicated to the memory of Mr. Benn – almost 100 years from his birth.

As Yanis recounted his personal encounter with Benn, a vivid illustration of Benn’s ethos emerges – a dedication to challenging the status quo and envisioning a world ruled by the many, not the privileged few.

A moment of lasting impact

Varoufakis described a pivotal encounter with Benn: “I was given direct instructions to take my dilapidated car and go to Colchester railway station to pick him up,” beginning what would be a transformational dialogue. Benn’s assertion that “there is always an alternative, and the alternative is resistance,” underscores his lifelong commitment to opposition against complacency and acceptance of the unacceptable.

A legacy of resistance

Benn’s rhetoric stood as a beacon against neoliberalism and the inevitability narrative. His words resound in Varoufakis’s recollection: “He called privatisation by his name, theft. He called austerity by its name, class violence,” showcasing Benn’s precision and bravery in naming injustices. In his mission, “Tony Benn remained a thorn in the side of power,” pushing against the constraints defined by those in authority.

Beyond rhetoric: A blueprint for action

Benn’s approach was not merely theoretical but a blueprint for action. His interrogative method, “What power do you have? Where did you get it from, and whose interests are you exercising it?” provides a framework for dissecting authority and demanding accountability. “He fought not to gain for himself […] but to overturn the table,” demonstrating his tireless push for structural change.

Democracy and dissent

In Varoufakis’s narrative, Benn emerges as a fervent defender of true democracy, warning us through actions and words. “His whole life was a refusal to accept injustice as inevitable,” encouraging a vision where resistance is a daily practice, not a distant ideal. By maintaining that “democracy is a daily constant uprising,” Benn’s legacy insists on active participation in shaping equitable societies.

An urgent call to continue the struggle

Wrapping up his tribute, Varoufakis reaffirms the ongoing relevance of Benn’s mission: “We will continue. We shall remain ungovernable by those who are governing on behalf of the ruling class,” pledging dedication to Benn’s goals. This article stands as an urgent call to action, honouring Benn’s relentless spirit in sensing democracy not as a ritual, but as a continuous labour for justice.

Tony Benn’s legacy urges us to embrace the struggle for equality and democracy, not as a historical artifact but as a living, breathing mission. In the spirit of Benn, let us persist in demanding transformation, for “when they tell us that it is impossible, we have to say, excellent, this is what we want, because this is what Tony Benn did.”

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