Halifax and the 1925 textile workers strike public meeting on 18 July

 

STITCHED UP - Bradford's early textile unions

 Watch Professor Keith Laybourn explain more about the struggles by Bradford's textile workers up until 1926. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e58Hfhboes&t=44s

For more on Bradford's textile workers read also my booklet on Julia Varley:- 

https://markwrite.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/6328-julia-varley-booklet.pdf

Also available is this booklet on Bradford TUC's first 100 years 1872: 1972 

https://markwrite.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/100th-btuc-booklet-pdf-1.pdf

Come along and hear Keith speak in Halifax on 18th of July. 

Calderdale TUC passes resolution opposing Israel's attack on Iran

 Emergency Motion concerning Israel’s attack on Iran:

Calderdale Trades Union Council denounces Israel's attack on Iran and calls on Kier Starmer to ensure that Britain plays no part in supporting politically or militarily as the action marks another step towards a regional conflict across the Middle East.

Passed last night (19-06-2025)

Delegates at the meeting included 2 comrades - I am one - who over many decades have supported struggles by the Iranian people to free themselves from its current leaders but who are aware that the ongoing attack by Israel has nothing to do with improving the situation for the Iranian people. 

Great post by Durham Miners' Gala on Reform

Great post by Durham Miners' Gala on Reform 

Excellent. 

Come to the Gala on 12 July.  

https://www.durhamminers.org/statement_durham_miners_gala_and_reform_uk

Read latest Landworker magazine online

 https://content.yudu.com/web/eduy/0A44swj/LandworkerWint24/html/index.html 

North Sands Massacre logo and t-shirt to come

 

Halifax silence highlights the dying screams of the Gaza people

 

Organised by Halifax Friends of Palestine, 45 persons of all ages, backgrounds and religions (and none) today walked silently round Halifax Town Centre. The purpose was to highlight the ongoing plight of the people of Gaza, who, in addition to being regularly shot at, are being starved to death by the genocidal state of Israel whose backers include the British and US governments of Sir Kier Starmer and Donald Bush.

Assembling at the site of the former Wilkinsons the procession, which had safety stewards, made its way to the beat of a single drum on the road and path to the Bus Station. 

On arrival all participants stood for a number of minutes silently, which was respected by every passerby except those showing support by saying “well done” or, best of all “Free, Free Palestine.”

The marchers then moved to the Duke of  Wellington Regiment Statue and undertook a similar activity. 

Then, and to the consternation of the security staff at Woolshops shopping centre, which contains a range of high street shops that have interests that are connected to the Israeli occupation of Gaza, the protestors walked down the main street before entering, with the support of the security staff there The Piece Hall, Halifax’s best-known building and resource. 

A further 5 minutes of silence was held on the premises. Photographs were taken.

Exiting the gates next to the Central Library entrance there was halt on the steps next to the Calderdale Industrial Museum. The silence was temporarily broken in order to highlight the Calderdale Trades Union Council plaque that commemorates the fatalities in August 1842 that has its modern-day parallels in Gaza. 

Details of the Bread Not Bayonets Film were broadcast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0UxMadnIEA The speaker was thanked for his efforts.

The walk then proceeded to the layby close to King Street where passersby in their cars could clearly see the Stop Starving Gaza banner. 

The final parts of the journey included passing by the Royal Mail sorting office and then over the road to stop outside MacDonald’s, which has had its businesses impacted on after it donated food to the Israeli Defense Forces. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68740617 A number of younger customers were curious about why a halt had been made at the franchise.

It was then a matter of a 100-yard return walk to the starting point. The event followed the weekly one hour assembly at the top of Halifax Town Centre and to which 18 people attended this week.

Well done to all concerned especially the organisers.