TRADE unionists are to throw their weight behind the so-called George Fox Six students from Lancaster University.

It is now two weeks since the students were convicted of aggravated trespass after dis-rupting a conference at the university last year.

And they have won the backing of the Lancaster and Morecambe Trades Union Council for a planned appeal against the ruling at Lancaster Magistrates Court.

Local TUC president Steve Metcalfe says: "This judgement seems to us to be contrary to the most basic of freedoms, that of free speech and the right to peacefully demonstrate.

"There was a huge display of sympathy at the court hearing and the six now also have the support of Liberty and the Council for Academic Freedom."

He adds: "The trade union movement in Britain was founded upon the need to support the rights and freedoms of ordinary people against the might of wealthy and powerful corporations through the unity and courage of its members.

"Trade Unionists recognise that they also have a duty to support any oppressed persons who have been treated unjustly and we will support the George Fox Six in every possible way that we can."