It is sad to hear of the death of Tony Benn. I did not agree with all his views. However, his passing represents the end of an era.

He was an honest politician, who believed to be elected you tell people your views and by logical argument convince voters you are correct.

Tony never watered down his views and was solid to his principles. A true socialist and very proud of it.

If you wanted the truth, you listened to him, even if you did not agree with his solution.

He was a very polite person who believed in respecting everyone and their views even though he may not have agreed with them.

A true democrat in that he upheld the principle of, “I may not agree with your view, but defend to the death your right to say it,” or in Tony’s case it should be the right to have that view.

He would like to meet people he disagreed with so he could persuade them by debate to change their views to his or to increase his own understanding of an issue. Tony could be persuaded by logical argument he was wrong but not to move from his socialist principles.

He will be greatly missed.

R Lambeth, Martin Road, Hove

Tony Benn represented a part of the Labour Party which has now ceased to exist.

He belonged to the tradition of pro-commonwealth altruism.

Like many great figures of his generation, such as Barbara Castle, he wanted to turn his back on the great European adventure and on the US at the same time.

He was passionate about this country. He saw us going our own way in all things.

You always knew what he stood for before he even told you, but you longed to hear him tell you, because you knew he would bewitch you with his words.

Nigel Boddy, former Brighton resident now living in Darlington, Co Durham