Durham Miners' Association

Durham Miners have paid tribute to Rodney Bickerstaffe, a giant of the Labour movement, who has died aged 72.

An inspirational trade unionist, Rodney worked tirelessly throughout his life to improve the conditions of working people. The former Unison General Secretary was a great friend to the miners, providing moral and financial support during the 1984-85 strike.

The Durham Miners' Association have learned today that Unison and ATL members have voted to reject the latest offer from Durham County Council.

We are expecting about 200,000 people this year as they flock to see Jeremy Corbyn's first major rally since the election.

There's hardly an affordable hotel room left in the city.

So, grab your tent, caravan or camper and head for Houghall College. (Directions here)

Last night, we were proud to join more than 10,000 people at Labour's General Election rally in Gateshead.

The Durham Miners' Association was formed to protect the rights and welfare of our communities. The DMA has fought long and hard to bring fairness and humanity to our society.

Today, we call on the people of County Durham and the North East to remember what the Tories are, the millionaires they represent and the savage cuts they will impose on our children, our health service, our older people and the most vulnerable.

There are many reasons to vote Labour. The future of our communities and our country depends on it.

The Durham Miners' Association are disappointed and dismayed by recent comments made by several Labour prospective parliamentary candidates, including the candidate for Sedgefield, which have now reached the local and national press.