Durham Miners’ Association chair STEPHEN GUY speaks to Ben Chacko about the Reform threat, what’s needed from Labour and why the Big Meeting will never lose its politics
Latest editorial
Labour needs to be bold right now
From health and safety, to job security, to forthcoming local and mayoral elections, there’s lots of areas where Labour, and Scottish Labour, must put forward positive action proposals, says ANN HENDERSON
Ann Henderson
![Durham Miners' Gala 2026 [Pic: Neil Terry]](https://morningstaronline.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/desktop/public/2026-07/SSS_20260711_DURHAM_MINERS_GALA_0-21.jpg.webp?itok=NUVjowji)
Andy Burnham’s message of hope will defeat Reform if Labour delivers the New Deal for Working People in full, says JOANNE THOMAS
General Federation of Trade Unions president and bakers’ union general secretary, SARAH WOOLLEY, guides us through the GFTU’s Summer School happening this week at Quorn Grange Hotel
The government’s latest asylum proposals abandon labour movement values and fuel division by aping Reform UK, writes DIANE ABBOTT MP
Can Andy Burnham’s programme deliver a productive economy – or merely a softer version of capitalism, asks VINCE MILLS
IAN LAVERY MP warns that decades of neoliberal policies have left former industrial communities behind — but a renewed Labour commitment to working people could change the political landscape
AS THE impending economic crisis occupies the minds of the trade union and labour movement, alongside the continuing public health emergency, organising to recruit, represent and give voice to those most affected has to be given priority.
Speakers at TUC Congress last week, and the Labour Party’s virtual Labour Connected events, have left us all in no doubt that this is urgent.
In Scotland, following calls from Scottish Labour, the Scottish Parliament did meet throughout the summer, albeit on fewer days and often in a virtual setting.
Similar stories
The election offers a critical chance to shape the future of pay, care and community provision in Wales, says Unison’s JESS TURNER
LUKE FLETCHER outlines Plaid Cymru bold plans for wide-ranging policy consultations with trade unions in Wales
Working-class women lead the fight for fair work and equitable pay and against sexual harassment, the rise of the far right and years of failed austerity policies, writes ROZ FOYER
ANN HENDERSON looks at the trailblazers of the Women’s Trade Union League and their successful fight for female factory inspectors — a battle that echoes in today’s workplace campaigns