The platform speakers for the 2025 Durham Miners Gala have been confirmed. Hosted by the Durham Miners Association (DMA), the 139th Gala takes place on Saturday 12 July.
Jeremy Corbyn returns to the Gala platform, joining Palestinian Ambassador Husam Zomlot, who has already been announced as a speaker.
They are joined by trade union general secretaries Sharon Graham of Unite, Eddie Dempsey of RMT and Matt Wrack of NASUWT. Chris Peace of the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign and DMA General Secretary Alan Mardghum complete the line up.
The platform will be chaired by DMA Chairman Stephen Guy. Stephen said: "We have a great line up of speakers for the 139th Gala. Our platform honours the Gala as a trade union event with a strong tradition of international solidarity. The Gala has hosted many international speakers over its long history, with guests from overseas speaking at the Gala from its early years.
"We are delighted that Jeremy Corbyn is returning to speak. Jeremy was a steadfast supporter of the miners and our communities and has remained a great friend.
"We thank all our guest speakers for accepting the invitation of the DMA. Our trade union speakers represent workers from various sectors and from diverse communities. We look forward to hearing from them all in Durham on the second Saturday in July."
The full line up of platform speakers is:
- Jeremy Corbyn MP, Member of Parliament for Islington North.
- Dr Husam Zomlot, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the UK
- Sharon Graham, General Secretary, Unite
- Eddie Dempsey, General Secretary, RMT
- Chris Peace, Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign
- Matt Wrack, Acting General Secretary, NASUWT
- Alan Mardghum, General Secretary, DMA
The speeches will get underway on the Racecourse in Durham at 1pm. More announcements will follow on arrangements for other Gala activity, and the Cathedral service.
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