IT IS interesting to note the difference in the reaction to the passing of Tony Benn to the response when Baroness Thatcher died. Both were “conviction” politicians, with beliefs and policies vehemently rejected by those from the other side of the political spectrum. However, whereas Baroness Thatcher’s death was greeted by vile celebrations from the rabid left, Tony Benn’s has been met with a respectful acknowledgement of a career dedicated to the pursuit of his socialist beliefs, regardless of how misguided they may have been.

Bryan Wilkes, Penrhiw Terrace, Newport