TV STAR and socialist Ricky Tomlinson has been invited to speak at a May Day event in Chester to commemorate International Workers’ Day.

The Royle Family actor is still fighting for justice for himself and the late Des Warren, from Chester, who were imprisoned in 1973 for their role in the first national building workers’ strike when Ricky worked on a building site as a plasterer.

Ricky and Des, a steel fixer, were jailed for fly picketing at Shrewsbury under the obscure 1875 Conspiracy Act – not invoked for 98 years – and regarded themselves as political prisoners.

The Labour Movement and Trade Union Fair, organised by West Cheshire Trades Council, is being held at Town Hall Square, on Saturday, May 4, from 11am-3pm, with musical entertainment in addition to political speakers.

Among the confirmed speakers are Paul Nowak, assistant general secretary of the TUC, and Richard Atkinson from the Anti-Bedroom Tax Campaign.

Poet and author Alan Gibbons will be performing his work while singer-song writer Chris Tymkow will wow the crowds.

Ray McHale, vice-chair, West Cheshire TUC, said: “We see this event as a chance to promote the many positive campaigns that trade unions and the Labour movement are involved in, rather than the often reported defensive actions, including strike action.

“It is also a chance to reclaim May Day as ‘International Workers’ Day’.”

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