Durham Miners’ Gala 2024: Live updates as event marks 40 years since strike

Tens of thousands of people are assembling for the Durham Miners’ Gala today, for the first time in 15 years under a Labour government.

First held in 1871, The Big Meeting sees people from across the country assemble to watch the parade, speeches, music and cathedral service.

This year’s event will mark 40 years since the miners’ strike, and there will be speakers including several union leaders.

Morgan Jones is reporting from the event in the north-east for LabourList, with live updates throughout the day below and via our X account – refresh the page to see all the latest from the event below.

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3.07pm: Oh Jeremy Corbyn

“I’m one of the proudest people in the world to stand shoulder to shoulder with that fella there,” says Ian Lavery, pointing at Jeremy Corbyn.

1.35m: McAnea presses Labour on free school meals

Unison general secretary Christina McAnea is addressing the event for the first time, and uses the platform to pressure Labour over free school meals.

1.29pm: Speeches start as Matt Wrack addresses crowd

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, says: “Whatever differences we have, the new Labour government offers us opportunity.”

11.20am: The Miners’ Strike, 40 years on

This is a special year at the gala, marking 40 years since the 1984 miners’ strike.

The cover of the Morning Star focuses on justice for Orgreave, and plenty of attendees are carrying banners and wearing t-shirts commemorating the strike (along with a few of the perennial favourite: “I still hate Thatcher”).

This legacy is very much to the fore of proceedings today.

Ian Lavery, who will be speaking later today, has written for LabourList about how “In 1984 Margaret Thatcher and her cabinet of extremists began their assault on working class solidarity by singling out the country’s strongest trade union.”

10.11am: Drizzly morning in Durham

Crowds have come together for this year’s Gala despite a slightly rainy morning.

10.07am: MPs come to Durham

One of the many Labour figures taking in the sights is Ian Byrne, the MP for Liverpool West Derby.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here as ever, I think it’s my 8th one now – but a special one, with Labour being in government. Unfortunately the weather is not responding to the jubilant celebrations we’re seeing outside, but it’s going to be a great day.

“I’m really looking forward to the speakers, and to seeing Ian Lavery speak as well. It’s always a privilege and a pleasure, just always brilliant being here, such an expression of solidarity and community, it’s exactly what this country needs and it is one of my favourite places in the world.”

9.41am: Life during the Miners’ Strike

Blyth and Ashington MP Ian Lavery, who lived through the Miners’ Strike, writes for LabourList about why in his view the strike remains relevant 40 years later.

He writes: “We should never forget what it was that the miners were fighting for back in 1984-85. It was never a dispute about wages, terms or conditions but a fight for the very future of our communities. Our communities remain but all bear the scars of the industrial vandalism meted out on them.”

Read the full article here.

8.45am: Angela Rayner’s message

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