Author Archives: Paul Simpson

The death of Fenner Brockway has cut one of the last links connecting the modern Labour Party with its pioneers. He has been described as a rebel and a dissenter, and so he was, but his real role was as a prophet, forever preaching against the abuse of power, and with a message that wasContinue reading “Tony Benn’s Tribute to Fenner Brockway”

On 12th May, Hazel Kent will speak about Fenner Brockway at a talk hosted by the Working Class Movement Library. The Quaker concept of witness can be defined as action inspired by faith. Fenner Brockway, although not a Quaker, witnessed for peace in a variety of ways during WW1: through his journalism, his political activity,Continue reading “Online talk ‘A socialist witness for peace: Fenner Brockway’s conscientious objection during the First World War’”

Watch this insightful interview with Brockway on Thames Television in 1973.

This project began when I interviewed Hazel Kent about Brockway for my ‘Lives on the Left Podcast’ series. We discovered a shared interest in the extraordinary life and career of Fenner Brockway and agreed that we should write a biography, as remarkably, none currently exists. We are currently working on compiling an edited anthology ofContinue reading “About the project”

Earlier this year, Hazel and I discussed Brockway’s fascinating life and career in my ‘Lives on the Left’ podcast. The first episode concerns Brockway’s life and activism up until 1946 and the second episode discusses the years 1947-1988. Listen to part 1 HERE Listen to part 2 HERE

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Fenner Brockway, I spent three fascinating years in his company while researching his contribution to the ILP for my PhD thesis. Study of his books, newspaper articles, minutes of committee meetings, annual conference reports, memos and letters confirm his importance to the history of the ILP. DuringContinue reading “Fenner Brockway: Standing Out For Socialism by Hazel Kent”