That this House celebrates the 139th Durham Miners’ Gala, to be held on Saturday, 12 July 2025, organised by the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA); recognises the Gala, known as The Big Meeting, as the world’s greatest celebration of trade-unionism, working-class culture, and international solidarity; notes its historical significance since 1871; recognises the contribution of mineworkers in defeating fascism in World War II, acknowledges the DMA’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Durham’s mining communities and promoting social justice; celebrates the continued growth of the Gala which saw over 200,000 people drawn to Durham’s historic streets in recent years; recognises the contribution of the National Union of Mineworkers to the labour movement, Labour Party and trade-unionism; welcomes the traditional Miners’ Service at Durham Cathedral; calls on Honourable Members to support this enduring symbol of unity by attending or endorsing the Gala’s values of fairness, equality, and solidarity; and encourages everyone to become a Marra.
Signatories (26)
- Mary Kelly Foy Sponsor
- John McDonnell
- Andy McDonald
- Brian Leishman
- Jeremy Corbyn
- Kim Johnson
- Grahame Morris
- Richard Burgon
- Apsana Begum
- Kate Osborne
- Nadia Whittome
- Bell Ribeiro-Addy
- Neil Duncan-Jordan
- Ian Lavery
- Andrew George
- Elaine Stewart
- Jim Shannon
- Jo White
- Luke Akehurst
- Martin Rhodes
- Jon Trickett
- Peter Lamb
- Luke Myer
- Ayoub Khan
- Rachael Maskell
- Dr Simon Opher