A LEADING North-East trade unionist has accused New Labour of being out of touch and in danger of losing the support of its heartlands.

NUM Durham area secretary David Hopper, writing in the brochure for Saturday's Durham Miners' Gala, attacked Labour leader Tony Blair for not speaking at the traditional rally, in which thousands of grassroots Labour supporters will take to the city's streets.

Mr Hopper said: "While the gala's support is growing and its appeal is becoming more widespread, the hierarchy of the so-called New Labour Party will not accept an invitation to address the biggest political event in the country.

"This trend was started by the leader of the Labour Party shortly after the 1984/85 miners' strike and has continued ever since.

"It appears that it is more important to address the captains of industry, the Women's Institute, or almost any assembly other than the Durham Miners' Gala and its working class supporters.

"I am not sure whether this is solely the decision of spin doctors, but it does show contempt, not only for the Durham miners, but also the tens of thousands of traditional Labour supporters who turn up at the event.

"I believe that New Labour is out of touch, has lost its values and will be deserted by traditional supporters."

Mr Hopper criticised New Labour for the 75p-a-week pensions increase and the "shambles" over the London mayoral election.

"These people are totally out of touch with the reality of ordinary people's lives and the values ordinary people cherish."

Last year, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott spoke at the gala and was heckled by supporters of Liverpool dockers - an incident sharply criticised by gala organisers.

Speakers on Saturday - the 116th gala - will include veteran Left wing MP Tony Benn, Rodney Bickerstaffe, secretary of public sector union Unison, and award-winning journalist John Pilger.

The speeches will be given at noon on the city's Racecourse following the traditional parade of banners and bands through the city's streets.