That this House celebrates the 140th Durham Miners’ Gala, to be held on Saturday 11 July 2026, organised by the Durham Miners’ Association; recognises the Gala, known as The Big Meeting, as the world’s greatest celebration of trade unionism, working-class culture and international solidarity; notes that since 1871 the Gala has stood as a living expression of the strength, resilience and collectivism of mining communities across the Durham Coalfield and working people across the country and around the world; pays tribute to generations of mineworkers, their families and their communities, whose struggles built the labour movement, strengthened the Labour Party and advanced the cause of dignity and fairness at work; recognises the historic role of the National Union of Mineworkers and the Durham Miners’ Association in defending working people, preserving working-class culture and promoting social justice across the world; further recognises that the Gala today brings together lodge and trade union banners, brass bands, community groups and campaigners from across the labour movement; welcomes the parade of lodge and trade union banners and brass bands through Durham City, the gathering on the Old Racecourse and the traditional Miners’ Festival Service at Durham Cathedral; believes that the 140th Gala is a proud reminder that the past we inherit must shape the future we build; and further believes that the Durham Miners’ Gala will continue to inspire future generations in the struggle for a fairer, more equal and more hopeful society.

That this House celebrates the 140th Durham Miners’ Gala, to be held on Saturday 11 July 2026, organised by the Durham Miners’ Association; recognises the Gala, known as The Big Meeting, as the world’s greatest celebration of trade unionism, working-class culture and international solidarity; notes that since 1871 the Gala...

That this House congratulates Durham Markets on its 175th anniversary; notes that Durham Markets has played an important role in the commercial, civic and community life of Durham for generations; recognises that Durham Market Hall and Durham Market Place continue to serve as a vital hub for independent traders, local producers, residents, students and visitors; welcomes the programme of anniversary celebrations, including the Through the Decades Weekender event which included local traders, street food, live entertainment, family activities, historical displays and community events; further welcomes the 175th anniversary photography competition, The Spirit of Durham Markets, which invited people of all ages to capture the people, places and moments that make Durham Markets special; pays tribute to the traders, staff, performers, volunteers, community groups and customers who have contributed to the market’s enduring success; further recognises the importance of traditional markets to vibrant town and city centres, local economies and community identity; and wishes Durham Markets continued success for the next 175 years.

That this House congratulates Durham Markets on its 175th anniversary; notes that Durham Markets has played an important role in the commercial, civic and community life of Durham for generations; recognises that Durham Market Hall and Durham Market Place continue to serve as a vital hub for independent traders, local...

That this House celebrates Durham Pride as an important annual celebration of LGBT+ people, equality and solidarity in County Durham; notes with concern the withdrawal of local authority funding from Durham Pride 2026; welcomes the growing support shown by the trade union movement in helping to ensure that Durham Pride continues to go ahead; further welcomes Equity’s landmark agreement with Durham Pride to set minimum standards on pay, terms and conditions for performers, as well as its generous donation in support of the event; recognises the powerful historic connection between LGBT+ communities and the trade union movement, including the solidarity shown between Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners and mining communities during the 1984-85 miners’ strike; believes that the support for Durham Pride demonstrates the labour movement at its best, standing for dignity, respect, equality and unity over division; commends Durham Pride organisers, volunteers, performers, trade unions and community allies for their work; and calls on public bodies, employers, trade unions and community organisations to continue supporting Durham Pride and all efforts to ensure that LGBT+ people in County Durham are safe, visible, valued and celebrated.

That this House celebrates Durham Pride as an important annual celebration of LGBT+ people, equality and solidarity in County Durham; notes with concern the withdrawal of local authority funding from Durham Pride 2026; welcomes the growing support shown by the trade union movement in helping to ensure that Durham Pride...

That this House commemorates the 117th anniversary of the West Stanley Pit Disaster of 1909 on 16 February 2026; remembers the 168 men and boys who died in the explosion and its aftermath, and the extraordinary bravery of those who risked their own lives to rescue others; acknowledges the scale of the disaster, which was the worst in the history of the Durham coalfield, and one of the worst coal mining disasters in British history; recognises the enduring impact of the disaster on generations of families in Stanley and the surrounding area; pays tribute to the community of Stanley, whose resilience, determination and courage shaped its response both then and since; and reaffirms its respect for the sacrifices made by miners and their families, which underpin County Durham’s history and identity.

That this House commemorates the 117th anniversary of the West Stanley Pit Disaster of 1909 on 16 February 2026; remembers the 168 men and boys who died in the explosion and its aftermath, and the extraordinary bravery of those who risked their own lives to rescue others; acknowledges the scale...

That this House congratulates Inspector Dave Clarke BEM of Durham Constabulary on the prestigious award of the Honorary Freedom of the Parish of the City of Durham, which specifically recognises his dedicated service within the Durham Police force area and his exceptional personal commitment to the local community; acknowledges his substantial contribution to improving community safety and engagement within the City of Durham, where he has actively supported initiatives to reduce crime and foster strong public trust; further commends his consistent application of a proactive, community-focused policing model throughout his career of over 25 years; and extends its appreciation for his professional leadership and unwavering dedication to making the City of Durham and the wider Constabulary area a safer and better place for all residents.

That this House congratulates Inspector Dave Clarke BEM of Durham Constabulary on the prestigious award of the Honorary Freedom of the Parish of the City of Durham, which specifically recognises his dedicated service within the Durham Police force area and his exceptional personal commitment to the local community; acknowledges his...

That this House congratulates Durham Gilesgate Primary School Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) on being named New PTFA of the Year 2025 at the Parentkind National Awards; commends the exceptional dedication of the PTFA volunteers, led by Chair Jenny Lawshaw, who have made a significant impact on the school community since the group’s formation in late 2024; notes with appreciation their successful organisation of inclusive events, including an Iftar meal, Summer Fun Day, and various after-school clubs, which have fostered a strong sense of togetherness in Durham City; wishes them every success for their second annual Winter Fair on 29 November 2025; celebrates the debut of their charity single "We All Love Christmas Day," written by PTFA member Will Milton and performed by the school’s sing-signing choir using British Sign Language; and recognises the vital role that such parent-led organisations play in supporting state education and enriching the lives of pupils across the North East.

That this House congratulates Durham Gilesgate Primary School Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) on being named New PTFA of the Year 2025 at the Parentkind National Awards; commends the exceptional dedication of the PTFA volunteers, led by Chair Jenny Lawshaw, who have made a significant impact on the school...

That this House celebrates the 139th Durham Miners’ Gala, to be held on Saturday, 12 July 2025, organised by the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA); recognises the Gala, known as The Big Meeting, as the world’s greatest celebration of trade-unionism, working-class culture, and international solidarity; notes its historical significance since 1871; recognises the contribution of mineworkers in defeating fascism in World War II, acknowledges the DMA’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Durham’s mining communities and promoting social justice; celebrates the continued growth of the Gala which saw over 200,000 people drawn to Durham’s historic streets in recent years; recognises the contribution of the National Union of Mineworkers to the labour movement, Labour Party and trade-unionism; welcomes the traditional Miners’ Service at Durham Cathedral; calls on Honourable Members to support this enduring symbol of unity by attending or endorsing the Gala’s values of fairness, equality, and solidarity; and encourages everyone to become a Marra.

That this House celebrates the 139th Durham Miners’ Gala, to be held on Saturday, 12 July 2025, organised by the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA); recognises the Gala, known as The Big Meeting, as the world’s greatest celebration of trade-unionism, working-class culture, and international solidarity; notes its historical significance since 1871;...