Tolpuddle values still define union movement, says TUC

Speaking at the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival this weekend – a week after Donald Trump’s visit to London – TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady will praise the values of the trade union movement and call on workers to stick together.

Frances will say: “The values shared by those six brave martyrs – solidarity, unity and compassion – inspired a nation and changed the course of history. And they continue to define our movement today.

“If trade unionism is about one thing, then it is about friendship between working people. And with the alt-right on the march – in this country, across Europe and in Trump’s America – that matters more than ever.

“Let’s be clear: whoever we are, and wherever we’re from, we are all working people and we will always be stronger together.”

The Dorset festival runs from today (Friday 20 July) to Sunday (22 July). Speakers include Jeremy Corbyn MP, John McDonnell MP, actor Maxine Peake, TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady, TUC President Sally Hunt and union general secretaries.

There will be sessions on a variety of subjects through the weekend including Grenfell, Brexit, young workers and women. Billy Bragg will be performing and there will be a children’s area.

At 1.15pm on Sunday wreaths will be laid on the grave of James Hammet, the only Tolpuddle Martyr buried in the village, with a rally that then goes through the village from 2pm.