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Tolpuddle martyrs are a reminder of the struggles of today
With a Labour government now in power it’s time to rebuild in the interests of working people, says MICK LYNCH
People take part in a protest organised by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) opposite Downing Street, London, over the proposed closure of railway station ticket offices, August 31, 2023

THE trade union festival which takes place in the little Dorset village of Tolpuddle every year is always a time to remember and reflect on those farmworkers who took a brave stand nearly 200 years ago against further cuts to their pay.

They paid a heavy price for simply swearing an oath of secrecy and were arrested and sentenced to seven years’ transportation by vindictive landowners and biased courts. 

They only won their freedom following massive protests which swept across the country as workers organised petitions and protest meetings.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
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