Skip to main content
Resist Tory attacks on trade unions!
The call for free trade unions is an essential part of resistance to the Tory government and against austerity, writes KEN LIVINGSTONE
CWU members on the picketline

THIS year is the 50th anniversary of the Pentonville Five — dockers from east London who were jailed in 1972 for their part in defying the anti-union laws introduced by the Conservative then government of Edward Heath. 

The five were freed by the mobilisation of hundreds of thousands of workers who struck and demonstrated in their support and the subsequent threat by the TUC to call a general strike if the five were not released. Faced with such a broad array of forces the government backed down and the five were freed.

Today we’re in different days and with different customs — but at heart Conservatives don’t fundamentally change. In between partying and extravagantly redecorating the flat at No 10, Boris Johnson did manage to do a small amount of work in his time as prime minister. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
GREEN INNOVATION: The Cheonggyecheon urban redevelopment ope
Features / 29 July 2023
29 July 2023
It is mayors living close to the people who understand what is needed to tackle climate change better than national politicians in their private jets and chauffeur-driven cars, writes KEN LIVINGSTONE
PLENTY TO CHEW ON: (Left) Mission Barrio Adentro, Dr Jose Ca
Features / 1 July 2023
1 July 2023
With the 25th anniversary of his first election approaching this year, KEN LIVINGSTONE writes on the achievements and legacy of an important figure in Latin America’s history
WHAT’S FOR LUNCH? Reception class student Jayden-Luke Davi
Features / 16 June 2023
16 June 2023
KEN LIVINGSTONE writes on the importance of devolution – and using devolved powers for progressive ends
'Thatcher's approach to the 1984-85 miners’ strike was a p
Features / 19 May 2023
19 May 2023
Wide-ranging attacks on ‘enemies within’ are reminiscent of Thatcher’s assault on the miners, GLC, and black and Irish communities in the '80s, writes KEN LIVINGSTONE
Similar stories
WE WILL BE HEARD: Convenor for GMB Scotland Chris Mitchell s
Features / 22 March 2025
22 March 2025
The Employment Rights Bill is a vital opportunity to rebalance power between workers and employers. As it passes to the Lords, pressure must be brought to bear to strengthen this key legislation, argues ANDY McDONALD MP
Features / 11 October 2024
11 October 2024
Labour’s long-awaited Employment Rights Bill does not do nearly enough to remove the restraints on trade unions or to give them the powers they need to make a significant difference to the lives of the millions of workers, write KEITH EWING and Lord JOHN HENDY KC
School support staff members of Unison during a rally outsid
Unison Conference 2024 / 21 June 2024
21 June 2024