Wales Tony Benn

Tributes from across Welsh public life have been paid to Tony Benn whose death has been announced today. The First Minister Carwyn Jones called the veteran Labour politician a "man of great principle". The Manic Street Preachers called him a "total inspiration."

Neath MP Peter Hain described him as a "giant of socialism."

Tony Benn openly supported Welsh miners during the 1984 strike. Here's a clip from our archive of Mr Benn giving a speech at a rally.

In an interview with Viscount Tonypandy, George Thomas in 1983, Tony Benn gave his views on parliamentary democracy and his belief that social change only came about through struggle. Here's a short excerpt from our archives:

Manic Street Preachers' bass player Nicky Wire and paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson are among those to pay tribute to Labour politician Tony Benn.

Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood AM said: "I was very sad to hear about the passing of Tony Benn. A sincere politician with compassion and conviction. He was a champion of working people."

Nicky Wire, who interviewed Mr Benn in 2010, tweeted: "Was lucky enough to spend time with Tony Benn...humbling - a total inspiration."

On Twitter, Baronness Tanni Grey-Thompson wrote: "First time I met Tony Benn he introduced himself to me 'hello, I'm Tony Benn.' Hard to know what to say to that."

Mr Benn had a strong connection with Wales throughout his parliamentary career and campaigning work. He openly supported Welsh miners during the 1984 strike. He also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Glamorgan in June 2011 for his work as an author and politician.

First Minister, Carwyn Jones AM has paid tribute veteran Labour politician Tony Benn, who has died at the age of 88.