LABOUR leader Keir Starmer has paid tribute to key workers and the vital role they continue to play during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a specially recorded video for an online version of Durham Miners’ Gala dubbed The Second Saturday in July, being held on Facebook and YouTube by Durham Miners’ Association this afternoon, he said: “Coronavirus has shown the strength in our communities.

“It has shown that our economy depends on the essential workers who have kept our country going. 

“It is many of you and your families who have been on the frontline: in our hospitals, our shops, our care homes, keeping schools open for the children of key workers and in so many other jobs that have been undervalued and underpaid for too long.

“We must draw on the spirit of the Gala to ensure your jobs and industries are protected as we emerge from this crisis. We will always remember the Gala motto: the past we inherit, the future we build.”

Chair and deputy leader of the Labour Party Angela Rayner has also spoken out on what would have been Durham Miners’ Gala day.

In a pre-recorded video Ms Rayner said the traditional values embodied by Durham Miners’ Gala remain as important today as ever before.

She said: “We cannot be together today, but the values of unity, solidarity and collective strength that are embodied by the Durham Miners’ Gala are as important and relevant now as they ever were.

“It is these values that are helping us to get through this crisis, from our NHS and social care workers putting their lives on the line to keep us safe to the volunteer mutual aid groups and support networks on every street and across every village, town and city in the country.”

Participating in an online version of Durham Miners’ Gala dubbed The Second Saturday in July, being held on Facebook and YouTube by Durham Miners’ Association this afternoon, she said the NHS is “the jewel in our country’s crown and our NHS heroes are our greatest asset”.

You can read more about the online Durham Miners' Gala here https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/18575842.keir-starmer-address-online-durham-miners-gala/