Free At Last - The Benn Diaries 1991 To 2001

Episodes

EpisodeFirst
Broadcast
RepeatedComments
012014031720140318 (R4)In a change to the schedule, another chance to hear Tony Benn in his own words, reading extracts from his famous diaries, which were first broadcast in 2003.

Free at Last' charts the final ten years that Tony Benn served as an MP - from the bombing of Baghdad, through the changes to Labour leadership and approach and the coming of New Labour to his decision to resign from Westminster. But the series is not all about politics. With insight and humour Benn reveals his cack-handed fascination with gadgetry of all kinds and his growing realisation that his family means everything to him.

Reader Tony Benn

Producer Jane Ray.

January 1991 to the eve of the 1992 general election - 'I think Kinnock will be PM'.

022014031820140319 (R4)In a change to our schedule, another chance to hear Tony Benn in his own words, reading part two of 'Free at Last - Diaries 1991 - 2001', first broadcast in 2003.

Today the diaries bring us to the aftermath of the 1992 General Election and the various leadership battles that ensue. Benn charts what he sees as the demise of Parliamentary Democracy and the rise of Autocue Politics and the wearing of 'stacked heels'. He's clearly enjoying a reputation for being a scurrilous orator of the left but has a defeat of his own to deal with as well as his sorrow at the death of John Smith.

Reader Tony Benn

Producer Jane Ray.

The aftermath of the 1992 General Election and the Labour leadership contest.

032014031920140320 (R4)Tony Benn reads from the third part of 'Free at Last- Diaries 1991 - 2001', first broadcast in 2003.

In this episode Tony Benn's diaries cover the period leading up to the 1997 General Election. The battle over Clause 4 and a mysterious letter from Canada forcing Benn to realise that he has more time for John Major than for his own leader, Tony Blair. But politics are overshadowed by the news that his beloved wife Caroline has developed cancer of the spine.

Reader Tony Benn

Producer Jane Ray.

It's 1997 and the election is looming but there is graver news on a personal front.

042014032020140321 (R4)Tony Benn continues to read from 'Free at Last- Diaries 1991 - 2001', first broadcast in 2003.

In today's episode it is 1997 and Labour is in power for the first time in 18 years but Benn is anxious about the compromises he feels have been made. He fears that he might be mistaken 'for a kindly old gentleman' and throws himself into a rebellion over lone parent benefits. Saddam Hussein, Osama Bin Laden and Ali G all feature vividly in today's episode although Benn admits, Ali G has him fooled.

Read by Tony Benn

Produced by Jane Ray.

August 1997 to April 1999, covering the death of Diana and peace in Northern Ireland.

05 LAST2014032120140322 (R4)Tony Benn reads the final extracts from 'Free at Last- Diaries 1991 - 2001', first broadcast in 2003.

Today's episode is profoundly personal as it recounts the final illness of his beloved wife Caroline. Yet this intensely moving account of their 51-year marriage as it is transformed by the imminence of death is not all sadness. There is much joy, humour to be shared ... and even a little bit of political gossip.

Read by Tony Benn

Produced by Jane Ray.

Tony's beloved wife Caroline's cancer starts to dominate both their lives.