Those at Durham Miners Gala on Saturday will have seen banners, brass bands, and messages of solidarity – but it was also about the powerful speeches that were given at the traditional trade union-backed event that made it stand out.
With 200,000 people lining the streets of the historic city this morning and into the afternoon, former miners, trade unions and campaigners marched banners and flags – accompanied by the throng of brass bands that had also made the journey.
The event, which had returned after a two-year absence, due to the Covid pandemic, celebrated key workers that pulled out all the stops during the pandemic.
Read more: Durham Miners' Gala LIVE: Thousands flock to event - updates
After the opening few hours of the gala, in what was a beautifully sunny occasion, the crowds descended onto the racecourse to hear numerous speakers that had been assembled from various trade unions.
Here’s what they had to say during their speeches:
Stephen Guy (Durham Miners Assocation)
"Bishop AUckland, Sedgefield, North West Durham, Hartlepool, Blyth, the list goes on. All keys eats with some fabulous socialists lost along with that.
"Equally, we've lost akey vision for a much better and equal society. We now have a Tory coalition running the unitary authority in County Durham for the first time in its history also. This must change.
"It's time a politcal party built to represent the working people, and people of our class, develop asocialist agenda that will appeal to the communities of County Durham and beyond.
"If you're not in a union; join one. And never ever, ever, vote Tory. Solidarity!"
Mick Lynch (RMT)
RMT union chief Mick Lynch, who has risen to prominence over the last several months, due to his part in the three-day rail strikes in June.
Within his speech, Mr Lynch told those gathered at the racecourse: “we are back, the working class are back,” before adding: “Working class men and women having to go to foodbanks, using state benefits while working 40-50 hours a week – it cannot stand, it cannot be tolerated any more.”
Sharon Graham (general secretary of UNITE)
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, told the Durham Miners’ Gala that profiteering by employers was the main cause of soaring inflation.
“Well let’s send a clear message – absolutely no more. We won’t let the rich and powerful take us for a ride yet again.
“We won’t let them put one hand in our pocket and the other up our back.”
“Our rail and postal workers, our teachers and everyone who is standing up and saying NO. Workers will not pay as profits soar.
She added: “We must now organise; we must mobilise and crucially we must act together.
“It’s time to stop playing the bosses’ game. We need to use our brains as well as our brawn, level the playing field.
“Move the share price as well as the picket line.”
Clare Williams (UNISON)
UNISON northern regional secretary Clare Williams said: “Those employed in health, schools, councils, and care have given their all in the last few years and continue to do so.
“They shouldn’t have to take what amounts to a pay cut in all but name if the government doesn’t announce pay rises that kick inflation into touch.”
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