08/12/2006, The Demon Newspaper: “Tony Benn Interview. Shahinaz Nabeeh talks to legendary politician Tony Benn.”
The Globalisation Society at DMU was launched on Thursday 23 November with a talk from prominent politician Tony Benn about ‘Power in the Modern World’. The society that was set to “provide an inclusive forum for people interested in the many issues surrounding globalisation to come together, discuss their ideas, opinions and have the opportunity to find out more about this provocative subject”, expressed its deep excitement about Tony Benn’s visit to the university, who has remained one of the country’s highest profile politicians for generations.
A man who argues about issues and not personalities and is renowned for being one of very few politicians to become more left wing after having held ministerial office, Tony Benn has been hailed as a Messiah by the left while being vilified by the right as ‘The Most Dangerous Man in Britain’. During the interview however, he appeared the with infinite politeness and courtesy for which he is known. The room is packed with BBC journalists and the executive team of the Globalisation Society, as we anxiously await our turn to conduct the interview. When it is finally time, Tony Benn’s friendly and observant looks put us at ease.
SN: What is your opinion on the claim that there is a clash of civilisations between East and West, and is this is just an excuse for imperialism to further establish itself?
TB: I do not believe there is any sort of clash between the cultures of the east and west; these claims are being used to justify power and it has always been about that. As well as the oil of course.
SN: What role do you feel the UK is playing in this? Especially that along with all the powerful countries, it is ignoring the real problems in the region?
TB: It has been true for some time now that the easiest decision in the world you can take is to take orders from somebody more powerful than you are. Had the prime minister refused to go to war, it may have possibly persuaded the USA not go ahead with the war, so as not to be alone, like in Vietnam. However, the capacity of the USA to punish the UK is enormous. The question of whether we want our foreign policy dictated from Washington or do we want a better world objective is one that is of supreme importance.
SN: But why do you think a similar Labour government refused 30 years ago to go to war in Vietnam? Could the existence of the Soviet Union at the time have had an effect on that decision?
TB: The end of the Soviet Union has made a difference that is worth looking at. However, what we have today is a very different Labour Government than Harold Wilson’s. Tony Blair has made a clear distinction between Labour and the New Labour party and this is now becoming clearer to many people.
SN: If the world is becoming a global village, should it not be the responsibility of the richer nations to help developing countries, in order to humanise globalisation and prevent the expansion to global north-south divide?
TB: The big question today is will globalisation allow democracy to survive? On one side, we have the multinationals, the International Monetary Fund and the European Union. I want to help to redress the balance on the other side. Big business is tending to fund both main British political parties. The system is becoming American and voters are losing their power to choose.
SN: And finally, what do you see for the future of the Labour party after the departure of Tony Blair?
TB: I have a feeling that the real Labour party will re-appear. Many of the Labour policies now completely contradict the foundations on which the Labour party was built. Certainly, the forthcoming deputy leader elections will bring forth a debate about the policies, which we have not had in a long time.
During the actual talk, which was attended by more than 200 people, Tony Benn delighted the audience with his insight, charisma and great sense of humour, which were enjoyed by all present.
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