The "King of the North" speaks to UNISON Labour Link Forum

Reflections from Labour Link Forum – A Week That Felt Like a Turning Point

Just over a week ago, UNISON Labour Link delegates gathered in Manchester for our annual Forum — and we were privileged to welcome the man many call the King of the North, Andy Burnham MP. When he walked into the hall, the reaction was extraordinary: a genuine, spontaneous standing ovation that seemed to take him by surprise. You could see he was moved by it.

In his speech, he spoke with warmth, wit, and a deep sense of partnership. He reminded us that years ago UNISON trusted him at a crucial moment, giving him an early nomination that helped launch his parliamentary career. He told us he sees us not as stakeholders to be consulted after decisions are made, but as partners in shaping the future. It was a message that resonated strongly in the room.

He spoke with real passion about the challenges ahead — social care, fairness, political culture — and the need for a government that rebuilds trust and delivers meaningful change. His tone was collegiate, hopeful, and grounded in the realities facing working people.

While he was our headline speaker, the Forum was rich with contributions from others: Secretary of State Lisa Nandy MP, USDAW General Secretary Joanne Thomas, and many thoughtful interventions from delegates across the regions.

I attended a particularly insightful workshop led by Labour MP Gareth Snell on the rise of the far right. My own contribution was to again press the case for socio‑economic class to finally be recognised as a protected characteristic in UK equality law — a reform promised in 2010 but shamefully vetoed by the incoming Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition.

Gareth acknowledged the stark inequalities highlighted in recent reporting, including the evidence that white working‑class children are being failed by the education system (BBC News, 2024). The discussion was serious, grounded, and focused on how Labour can confront these injustices with honesty and courage.

I was there as a UNISON Labour Link National Committee member, elected by out NEC. What I took away from Forum was a renewed sense of hope — not naïve optimism, but a belief that meaningful change is possible when unions, Labour representatives, and communities work together with clarity and purpose.

In a political moment where the country is clearly hungry for something better, the Forum felt like a reminder of what partnership, solidarity, and democratic accountability can achieve. I left Manchester with optimism — and with a sense that the work we do in UNISON Labour Link genuinely matters for the future of our country.

London Labour Conference 23 - Day 2

From my twitter feed as UNISON Labour Link Delegate lead.

John Gray @grayee Start of day 2 of @LondonLabour conference. 9.10am start with opening remarks by Chair Maggi Ferncombe @unisontheunion

John Gray @grayee Proud to have proposed to @LondonLabour conference our motion on the Cost of Living Crisis. On behalf of @unisontheunion #LabourLink the political wing of the largest & best union in London

Rishi Patel @rishi175 ‘The worst day under a Labour government is never as bad as the best day under a Tory one’ great to hear from @grayee @unisonglr at day 2 of London Labour Conference 

Well said Carleene in support of UNISON motion Carleene Lee-Phakoe @cleephakoe "I spoke at #LonLab23, in support of the Cost of Living Motion. The Tory Cost of living crisis has hit the poorest the hardest. Today we said “enough is enough” @GMBLondonRegion are proud to stand in solidarity with those who have been hit hardest by this failing Tory Govt! 

Lloyd Duddridge @DuddridgeLloyd Great to see Ilford North legend Stephen representing
@UsdawUnion on the @LondonLabour conference stage on how we need framework on workers rights that faces the future.

Adam Hug @AdamHug Delighted that @wminsterlabour won the campaign of the year at the
@LondonLabour Merit Awards. Couldn’t have done it without our amazing cllrs, candidates, organisers @dgoodwinhotline @RosaElson1 and agents Andy Whitley @MargaretLynch06 Connor Jones and Jacqueline Bore

John Gray @grayee My @UnisonHAB colleague @JoeOgundemuren as his CLP delegate seconds
@UsdawUnion motion on automation @LondonLabour. Love his getting everyone on his feet for unions!

Anu did a great job as Chair. Thank you Deirdre Costigan @deirdrecostigan Proud of Anu Prashar from @unisontheunion who chaired this morning's debate at @LondonLabour conference. @anuox #LonLab23

Final speaker at @LondonLabour conference future @LabourParty SoS @wesstreeting "the Tories will not be able to fix the NHS that they broke" "Compare last 13 years of Tories with last 13 years of Labour Government" "over my dead body will we charge you to see your doctor" @unisontheunion #LabourLink

Jayne Wilkinson for Tividale

I hope any UNISON Labour Link members living or working near Tividale, West Midlands will go out and support top trade union organiser Jayne Wilkinson in her fight to become a Labour Councillor for the ward.

At the moment there are two Labour and one BNP Councillors. Need I say anymore?

"Jayne has lived in the Rowley area all her life and is excited about bringing her experience as an organiser within her own community to Tividale.

Jayne works for Tesco in West Bromwich, where she is Chair and Shop Steward of the store’s USDAW Branch. She has successfully encouraged colleagues to participate in union decision making and has driven up the number of members by engaging with her colleagues.

It is through her USDAW activity that Jayne became involved with Labour. She said, “For me, Labour is the party of the many not the few. I’ve been inspired by the determination of the hard working people I meet through my union work and I know first hand the importance of collective action in order to deliver results that matter . As a mother, I know the issues facing working families, and I will work tirelessly to improve circumstances across the ward.”

Printed by Argraphics, 25 Salisbury Road, Birchfield, Birmingham, B19 1ND
Promoted by Jayne Wilkinson on behalf of herself at Terry Duffy House, Thomas Street, West Bromwich, B70 6NT

You're better off with Labour!

Great new leaflet from retail trade union Usdaw aimed at students. (Double click)