Durham Miners' Gala 2024

Motion Text

That this House celebrates the Durham Miners’ Gala, also known as the Big Meeting; believes that the Durham Miners’ Gala is the greatest celebration of working-class solidarity in the world; recognises the contribution mineworkers have made to the working-class movement throughout history; further recognises the contribution of mineworkers in defeating fascism in World War II; recognises the contribution of the National Union of Mineworkers to the labour movement, the Labour Party and trade-unionism; recognises the cultural, historical and political ties between County Durham and the mining industry; notes that the 138th Big Meeting marked the 40th anniversary of the 1984-85 miners’ strike; recognises the vital role of women in the miners’ strike; further believes that the gala is a beacon of hope for workers’ around the country; and encourages everyone to become a Marra.