The 138th Durham Miners’ Gala saw workers turn out in their tens of thousands to celebrate and defend the fighting traditions of the workers’ movement.
North East members of the Revolutionary Communist Party (RCP) mobilised for the Gala, to put forward a revolutionary perspective for how to fight Starmer’s government.
The ‘Big Meeting’ also marked the 40th anniversary of the Great Miners’ Strike, and was the first since 2009 to be held under a Labour government.
Our thanks to everyone who packed the streets of Durham in your tens of thousands despite the weather for the 138th #DurhamMinersGala.
Our deep appreciation to everyone who contributes – it’s a remarkable team effort that keeps the Gala gannin’ 40 years after the Miners Strike. pic.twitter.com/rcPOdZLBA0
— Durham Miners’ Association (@DurhamMiners) July 14, 2024
But despite the jubilation of the reformist trade union leaders, the mood among the crowds was overwhelmingly one of wariness and indifference to Labour. The PM’s ‘honeymoon period’ was nowhere to be seen in the streets of Durham.
The grey skies and unrelenting downpours felt like an apt metaphor for the sombre response to Starmer’s election. Many recognise that this government will offer much of the same: austerity, attacks, and pro-business policies.
The dearth of Labour MPs taking to the main stage was notable. Clearly, Wes Streeting was too busy picking fights with junior doctors to make an appearance.
Ian Lavery, the MP for Blyth and Ashington, was even introduced as a former President of the NUM, rather than his current position as a Labour politician.
This all paints a picture of a widening chasm between the labour movement and Starmer’s big business government.
Sowing illusions
This didn’t stop trade union leaders from attempting to sow illusions in Starmer, however.
As the President of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Matt Wrack said: “Whatever differences we have, the new Labour government offers us opportunity.”
But Starmer and co. seem more keen on cosying up to City bankers than taking on board workers’ demands. The only ‘opportunity’ that these Red Tories offer is for the bosses to make more profits!
The word ‘socialism’ was mentioned. But this was simply window dressing for the TUC’s endorsement of Starmer’s ‘pro-worker and pro-business’ party.
This same strategy – that of class collaboration – led the Miners’ Strike to defeat, when the TUC and Labour Party leaders hung the NUM out to dry.
Events like the Miners’ Gala should be an opportunity to learn from the defeats of our movement, as well as celebrating its victories.
Christina McAnea, general secretary of Unison, addressed the Big Meeting, using the platform to ‘pressure’ Labour on policies like free school meals. “As trade unions, it is our job to keep pressing for more,” she remarked.
But the vital question is how the movement can press for more. By officials going cap in hand to the employers and government ministers? Or by the rank and file pushing for militant strike action, and putting forward bold demands like nationalisation and workers’ control?
In the same breath, McAnea praised Labour’s programme, claiming that housing was at the “heart” of its economic policy. In reality, Labour is fighting the housing crisis with kid gloves, leaving it up to the profiteering monopolies to build homes.
Alan Mardgum, the Secretary of the Durham Miners’ Association, warned that real change was needed to keep Farage’s far-right Reform UK at bay. “By God we need [Labour] to deliver,” he said, “or I fear we will end up with […] a government influenced by Reform”.
But it was precisely the inaction and attacks of the last right-wing Labour government that opened the door to the far right in working-class communities. People feel totally betrayed by the establishment politicians of all stripes, and Starmer will only add to this anger.
Revolutionary alternative
In most cases, these appeals to ‘give Starmer a chance’ fell on deaf ears. One local we spoke to joked that he “wouldn’t trust Starmer as far as he could throw him”.
Though some people we spoke to were willing to wait and see whether Starmer can offer something new, these hopes will soon be dashed by events.
Twenty local RCP comrades mobilised for the event. We had groups of comrades dotted around the city throughout the day, as well as a huge stall on the racecourse bursting with Marxist literature and copies of The Communist.
Though the adverse weather presented some challenges, we managed to have some brilliant conversations with those who recognise the need for a fighting, revolutionary alternative.
A number of people were also drawn to us after recognising Fiona Lali on the front cover of the paper, showing that the RCP’s inspiring campaign in Stratford & Bow has drawn attention across the country.
We capped off the day with an open-air set of speeches, which drew in a small crowd of passers-by who braved the deluge to hear what we had to say.
In total, we sold £400 worth of literature, 50 copies of The Communist, and five people expressed an interest in joining the party.
We were the only organisation present at the Gala that could explain how we can prepare for the coming battles with Starmer’s government. This made us stand out incredibly well.
A whole section of workers and young people are searching for something more than hand-wringing and class compromise.
The RCP is building a communist alternative, bolstered by the fighting traditions and lessons of our movement. It’s time to get organised – join your party today!
