Skip to main content
The Morning Star Shop
Breast cancer forces Debonnaire to forgo Tolpuddle speech

LABOUR MP Thangam Debbonaire has revealed that she had to turn down an invitation to speak at the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival this weekend because she is being treated for breast cancer.

Ms Debbonaire was chosen to deliver an address on behalf of the Labour Party at the annual Dorset rally on Sunday after being elected MP for Bristol West.

But she was diagnosed with the disease just six weeks after the general election and is now undergoing her first cycle of chemotherapy.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Britain / 14 August 2016
14 August 2016
No-one left behind with schools run NHS-style
Britain / 14 August 2016
14 August 2016
Britain / 12 August 2016
12 August 2016
Court blocks 130,000 from voting
Britain / 12 August 2016
12 August 2016
Similar stories
Tolpuddle Martyrs tree
Lawman / 19 July 2025
19 July 2025

ANSELM ELDERGILL examines the legal case behind this weekend’s Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival and the lessons for today

Train drivers from the Aslef union on the picket line at Euston station in London, April 5, 2024
Features / 19 July 2025
19 July 2025

As the labour movement meets to remember the Tolpuddle Martyrs, MICK WHELAN, general secretary of train drivers’ union Aslef, says it’s an appropriate moment to remind the Labour government to listen to the trade unions a little more

attila
Attila the Stockbroker Diary / 2 May 2025
2 May 2025

The bard mourns the loss of comrades and troubadours, and looks for consolation with Black Country Jess

Sir Chris Hoy celebrating winning the Gold Medal in the Men'
Men’s cycling / 20 October 2024
20 October 2024