Marchers' courage to fight for fairness and dignity still stands

Last weekend was the 89th anniversary of one of the most defining moments in our community history - the Jarrow Crusade.

- Kate Osborne

In October 1936, 200 proud and dignified men marched from Jarrow to London to demand work, dignity, and justice.

They brought a petition signed by the people of our town, demanding the right to decent employment and fair treatment.

Those marchers stood proud for every community that had been left behind and every family struggling to get by. Their courage still resonates today, reminding us that the fight for fairness and dignity in work is never over.

Our local area has a rich history of people standing up for each other, of workers standing together and another brilliant example of that is the Thomas Hepburn memorial service in Heworth taking place this weekend. Thomas Hepburn was one of the great pioneers of the trade union movement, leading miners in the early 19th century to organise for fair pay and safer conditions.

Thomas's work laid the foundation for the modern trade union movement - and his message remains as relevant as ever: when workers stand together, we win together.

I am a proud Trade Unionist and have spent all my working life before being elected as part of the Trade Union movement - now that I am your MP I retain my strong Trade Union beliefs and will always stand up for workers' rights.