That this House celebrates the 140th Durham Miners’ Gala, to be held on Saturday 11 July 2026, organised by the Durham Miners’ Association; recognises the Gala, known as The Big Meeting, as the world’s greatest celebration of trade unionism, working-class culture and international solidarity; notes that since 1871 the Gala has stood as a living expression of the strength, resilience and collectivism of mining communities across the Durham Coalfield and working people across the country and around the world; pays tribute to generations of mineworkers, their families and their communities, whose struggles built the labour movement, strengthened the Labour Party and advanced the cause of dignity and fairness at work; recognises the historic role of the National Union of Mineworkers and the Durham Miners’ Association in defending working people, preserving working-class culture and promoting social justice across the world; further recognises that the Gala today brings together lodge and trade union banners, brass bands, community groups and campaigners from across the labour movement; welcomes the parade of lodge and trade union banners and brass bands through Durham City, the gathering on the Old Racecourse and the traditional Miners’ Festival Service at Durham Cathedral; believes that the 140th Gala is a proud reminder that the past we inherit must shape the future we build; and further believes that the Durham Miners’ Gala will continue to inspire future generations in the struggle for a fairer, more equal and more hopeful society.
