in the middle of march, the death was announced of the labor veteran and former mp tony benn at the age of 88. when he left parliament in 2001, tony benn famously declared he would be spending more time on politics. he had been an mp for 47 years. he was a familiar public figure speaking with enthusiasm and passion at rallies, protests, public meetings, and demonstrations. his school -- skill as an orator inside and outside the commons was widely recognized. here he is in the chamber in 2001. >> forgive me for quoting myself, but in the course my life, i have been riddled by five questions. hitler, joe stalin, bill gates -- ask them five questions. where did you get it from? in whose interest do you exercise it? to whom do you counsel? how can we get rid of you? if you can govern the people who govern you, you don't live in a democratic system. >> following his death, warm tributes were paid to them in the commons. >> on one occasion, they decided to delay a division in the lobby because they wanted to make trouble for the government. the sergeant at arms told them to investigate. my fa