Outspoken politician Tony Benn to launch Lincoln Speakers' Corner
ONE of the greatest advocates of freedom of speech in the modern age will be launching the Lincoln Speakers' Corner later this month.
Outspoken politician Tony Benn will talk at the official launch of the Speakers' Corner on Thursday, September 16.
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Tony Benn.
Other speakers at the launch could include Lincoln's Mayor Geoff Kirby.
The site of the corner, at Cornhill, was recently given its own sign courtesy of the Lincoln branch of the Speakers' Corner Trust.
Spokesman for the branch Richard Dale said: "We're extremely grateful to him and he is going to give us a great launch.
"Hopefully everyone will know Speakers' Corner has been launched. We wanted a big name and someone associated with freedom of speech to take part in the event."
Mr Benn, 85, is well known for his forthright speeches on a range of political issues and is the current president of the Stop The War coalition.
He was chairman of the Labour Party between 1971 and 1972 and served in the cabinet of Harold Wilson's government between 1964 and 1970.
Mr Dale said: "Clearly he is left wing, but Speakers' Corner is apolitical.
"We are definitely hoping this launch will encourage members of the public to start using the corner on a regular basis."
Mr Benn will also be appearing to a sell-out crowd at the Lincoln Drill Hall in the evening.
Marketing manager at the Drill Hall Gavin Street said: "He was booked with us long before the other opportunity came up, but it is a fitting thing for him to do.
"The last time he came was sold out too and people asked him about everything. He encourages questions from the audience – they are the life blood of performances like this.
"You can ask him anything and he will have an interesting and well-thought-out answer for you.
"I think he is honest and well-trusted and that is why his appearances are so popular.
"There is also the idea people are going to see him while they still can. It is an upsetting thought, but he is an iconic political figure and people are taking the chance while it is there."
The idea behind Speakers' Corner is to give everyone the chance to speak about anything that is important to them. There is no need to book a slot, just turn up and wait your turn to speak.
Shortly before the general election it was used as the scene for a soapbox debate between the candidates for the three main political parties.
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by Howard Jones, Lincoln
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 9:41PM
“Tony Benn served in the RAF during WW2, losing his brother in that conflict. I wonder Drip fed Fred, have you ever served your country?”
by Erma, Sneersby
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 7:12PM
“Steve all my errors derive from Democracy dot com where the head Mr Sneersby and vice head J failed badly in my and many others education because they were to busy tickling sheps tummy.”
by Steve, South Hykeham
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 6:57PM
“www.grammarly.com
www.dictionary.com”
by Erma, Sneersby
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 6:28PM
“j i thought we were discussing democracy or at least your take on it and my take that d emocracy is only valid when not abused by those in power . Sheps on board they know democracy is just a smoke screen created bythe bilderbergs.”
by Erma, Sneersby
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 6:14PM
“Get down shep.”
by Erma, Sneersby
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 6:12PM
“Sneer you clearly don't have the abillity to see your posts are insulting and that you try to impose your self thought superiorityover other peoples thoughts. As foi being insulting to you and attacking you i say what ihave posted is my oppinion of Sneer and here is another thought don,t put your head above trench if you don' t want your oppinions or Sneer to be sniped at. Sneer seems very able at dishing out ,but unable to take it back.”
by Shep, Lincoln
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 5:36PM
“Having read this whole thread, I am now on the brink of doing myself in.
Before I go, can I suggest, for the sake of all humanity (or at least that bit of it that reads this site), that J and Sneer stop rising to Erma's posts. He/she is clearly either a) trying to get a rise, or b) mental. Either way it's impossible to have any sort of sensible debate.”
by Mr Sneer, Derision on the Wold
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 5:29PM
“"Sneer you point out yourself how you feel this site is over run with bigoted /drivell, to blimp."
I'm afraid said no such thing, Erma.
There are, however, people who post bigoted drivel and who try to pass it off as fact (which, if anything, is an insult to everyone's intelligence). When they do, I (and plenty of other people too, don't forget) will provide sound evidence and reasoning that proves it to be bigoted drivel. This, however, is not the same as insulting them and all the crying and gnashing of teeth in the world isn't going to change that.”
by J, Lincoln
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 5:10PM
“What on Earth are you on about? What do you understand democracy to be? Can't really argue with someone who is just talking nonsense.”
by Erma, Sneersby
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 4:55PM
“J 4 yrs , is that how long you expect democracy to last this time then, untill we have another crack ? Democracy is a thing that should have no time limit and should not be failed or abused by govt or time.”