This morning I woke to news of the death of Tony Benn.

A fantastic speaker, writer, cabinet minister turned campaigner, Benn was renowned for his conviction and determination in fighting for the powerless.

I remember seeing him speak on the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament at Glastonbury Festival a few years ago and like others who have heard him talk, know why he was known for his speeches. His eloquence, clarity and ability to speak without being constrained by government or other pressures, meant he was a welcome change from the usual voice of the political establishment.

Tributes have flooded in from across the political spectrum. Here are a few:

Tony Benn was a champion of the powerless, a great Parliamentarian and a conviction politician. My deep condolences go to his family. — Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) March 14, 2014

Tony Benn was a magnificent writer, speaker and campaigner. There was never a dull moment listening to him, even if you disagreed with him. — David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 14, 2014

Politics, & life, seem so much poorer this morning. Tony Benn will be hugely missed for his courage, clarity, conviction – and kindness — Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) March 14, 2014

RIP Tony Benn; courteous, civilised, & utterly principled. In many respects, a model politician. — Zac Goldsmith (@ZacGoldsmith) March 14, 2014

The Huffington Post have also compiled a selection of videos of ‘Tony Benn’s Most Eloquent Verbal Assaults‘. They show his opposition to the war in Iraq, denouncing of pit closures, lamenting of the BBC for not broadcasting an aid appeal for Gaza, and his views on Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher.

He will be missed and remembered by many. We can all learn from his conviction and his wish to make the world a better place.

R.I.P Tony Benn