Tony Benn says don't be demoralised

Tony Benn was on very good form in what amounted to a sermon on Tolpuddle Martyr's Field this afternoon. Directing his comments to the new generation of trade unionists he set out what can only be described as commandments: don't be demoralised, don't be divided, and don't be cynical.

Last night Mark Steel had done a pretty accurate and very funny impression of Tony Benn, in the course of which he talked about how when Tony Benn spoke at rock festivals he got encores like all the best acts. Sure enough, the Tolpuddle crowd bayed for more, and out he came to tell us a couple more stories. Closing he delivered a perfect warning to young workers. "Take interest in politics," he said, "before politics takes an interest in you."