The Trade Union Act is a transparent attempt by the Conservative Government to undermine the trade union movement and, by extension, hard-won workers’ rights. I voted against this Act at every stage of its progression through Parliament and believe it should be repealed when Labour is next in government.

Barnsley is a town built on coal and, because of that, trade unions have always had deep roots in our community.

Many of the people I know in Barnsley have vivid memories of the miners’ strike and still feel its impact today.