THE story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs — six farm workers imprisoned and transported to Australia for their attempt to prevent falls in their wages by forming a “friendly society” in 1834 — is the story of trade unionism’s birth in this country.

The festival is for many the highlight of the trade union year. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, the festival will once again be held online.  

Although it is disappointing not to be enjoying the beautiful surrounds of Tolpuddle village while celebrating the martyrs’ legacy, there will be discussions, debates, radical history lessons and lots of music to enjoy from the comfort of your own home.

Over the last 18 months, the world as we know it has changed and the fact that the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival remains a digital-only affair is a reminder of that. 

We are living in a time of great upheaval and the next challenge facing humanity and indeed the Earth, as we emerge from the pandemic, is the climate emergency. 

The unprecedented temperatures recently recorded in the Pacific north-west of Canada and the US should serve as a warning to us all.

Climate change will be a major issue during this year’s Tolpuddle Festival. 

Now is the time for workers to stand together to call for real action, because climate change affects our ability to produce food, risks our food and farming industries, our jobs — even the very future of humanity.

It’s also time we make a stand and say to the government: “Listen to those who work in food and farming.” 

Stop killing the Earth with dangerous chemicals and recognise the contribution land workers make to the nation, keep them safe and pay them what they are rightfully due.

Food and agriculture workers are key workers — but are sadly all too often overlooked, especially by this shambles of a government. 

During the pandemic workers on food production lines, farm workers and more besides were absolutely indispensable. 

And just like other key workers, they risked their lives daily to keep us all fed and healthy.

But where’s the recognition? The safe workplaces? The fair wages? It angers me greatly to hear yet again that agriculture is the most dangerous industry in the UK. 

All the government has to do is to invest in our food and farming workers’ safety, through inspections, regular training and strong protective laws that can be rigorously enforced and bring to justice those who are careless with their workers’ lives.

I am also angry that the future of the Northern Ireland Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) is now under threat. 

Unite will continue to fight to keep Northern Ireland’s board and for all nations to have access to a wages panel.

At 11.15am today, Saturday July 17, I will be joining the “All change for food production” debate, where all these topics and more will be discussed. 

It looks to be a lively event that will examine how issues such as the pandemic, climate change and Brexit are transforming the way we produce and trade food, with significant changes for the workforce and consumers.

The Tolpuddle Martyrs are our inspiration to stand together for what is right during such turbulent times — and we will continue their fight for as long as injustice for workers exists.

Bev Clarkson is Unite food and drink national officer. Join the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival online at tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival.