Full list of speakers at Durham Miners’ Gala 2025 confirmed

The event, hosted by the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA), will take place on Saturday (July 12).

The full line-up of platform speakers for the 2025 event has now been confirmed, after the DMA said it would welcome Dr Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK to speak at the event.

These include Jeremy Corbyn, former Labour leader and MP for Islington North, and Sharon Graham the general secretary of trade union Unite.

It comes amid speculation Mr Corbyn could be about to start a new left-wing party. 

He said on Friday (July 4) that discussions are “ongoing” about the shape of a prospective new political party, after MP Zarah Sultana who lost the labour whip last year said she was quitting the party to “co-lead the founding” of a new outfit with him.

DMA chairman Stephen Guy said: “We have a great line-up of speakers for the 139th Gala.

“Our platform honours the Gala as a trade union event with a strong tradition of international solidarity.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will speak at the racecourse. (Image: Ben Whitley / PA) “The Gala has hosted many international speakers over its long history, with guests from overseas speaking at the Gala from its early years.

“We are delighted that Jeremy Corbyn is returning to speak. Jeremy was a steadfast supporter of the miners and our communities and has remained a great friend.

“We thank all our guest speakers for accepting the invitation of the DMA. Our trade union speakers represent workers from various sectors and from diverse communities.

“We look forward to hearing from them all in Durham on the second Saturday in July.”

General Secretary of the Unite union, Sharon Graham will speak at the Gala. (Image: Stefan Rousseau / PA) The announcement comes after a war of words between the DMA and deputy leader of Durham County Council Darren Grimes, who said he was ‘hurt’ by the decision to not formally invite Reform UK politicians.

The DMA said it did not ‘share the values’ of the newly elected council administration, after Nigel Farage’s party swept to victory in May’s local elections.

Speeches will get underway on the Racecourse in Durham at 1pm.

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See the full line-up of confirmed Durham Miners’ Gala 2025 speakers:

• Jeremy Corbyn MP, Islington North MP
• Dr Husam Zomlot, ambassador of the State of Palestine to the UK
• Sharon Graham, general secretary, Unite
• Eddie Dempsey, general secretary, RMT
• Chris Peace, Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign
• Matt Wrack, acting general secretary, NASUWT
• Chris Peace, Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign
• Alan Mardghum, general secretary, DMA