This year, Durham Miners' Gala will mark the 40th anniversary of the miners' strike with thousands gathering on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of the Gala, FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said:
“As we gather in our thousands for the Durham Big Meeting, the UK is at a turning point. After more than fourteen year of cuts, falling wages and authoritarianism, Labour must deliver hope and justice. The trade union movement will be central to building a better future, advancing the interests of working people through struggle.
“We also mark the fortieth anniversary of the miners’ strike, when miners faced the brutal force of the state to crush the strikers and their communities. Thousands were arrested or injured by police. We call on the Labour government to take this historic opportunity to do what’s right by announcing a plan to quash their convictions and offer compensation.”
