Hilary Benn’s speech: demagogic and dishonest


A letter from Tony Mulhearn

The definition of a demagogue: ‘a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular fears, desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.’

He is the darling of the right-wing media today, and is basking in the approval of the most right-wing Tory government since World War II.

The Murdoch press, Daily Mail and the rest, including right-wing Labour, will promote him as the man to replace Jeremy Corbyn. His resort to flag-waving jingoism is the device used by demagogues throughout the ages.

Benn’s reference to Labour Internationalism and to the International Brigade’s fight against Franco in Spain to buttress his support for international capitalism was unscrupulous. He implied that opposition to military action constituted less than total opposition to the monstrosity of Isis.

The millions who oppose bombing which will result in the slaughter of the innocents need no lessons from Benn, who enthusiastically supported the invasion of Iraq which unleashed today’s sectarian madness.