 In November 2011 it was reported that Benn had moved out of his home in Holland Park Avenue , London , into a smaller flat nearby that benefited from a warden . In 2012 Benn was awarded an honorary degree from Goldsmiths , University of London . He was also the honorary president of the Goldsmiths Students ' Union , who successfully campaigned for him to retract comments dismissing the Julian Assange rape allegations . In February 2013 Benn was among those who gave their support to the People 's Assembly in a letter published by The Guardian newspaper . He gave a speech at the People 's Assembly Conference held at Westminster Central Hall on 22 June 2013 . 
