Jarrow Marchers’ descendants set to mark the 90th anniversary at Downing Street
Descendants of the Jarrow Marchers are set to visit Downing Street as part of the 90th anniversary celebrations.
The descendants of the original Jarrow Crusaders are set to visit Downing Street 90 years after their families were turned away.
Kate Osborne, the Member of Parliament for Jarrow and Gateshead East, will bring the descendants to Number 10 on Monday, October 19.
It is part of a major programme of events in Parliament to mark the 90th anniversary of the Jarrow March.
The March saw 200 unemployed men walk almost 300 miles from Jarrow to London to demand jobs and a future for the town.
When they visit on Monday afternoon, their descendants will be carrying the original petition box and a commemorative copy of the petition their relatives brought to Westminster in 1936.
The petition has even been printed by the same company in the constituency who printed Ellen Wilkinson MP’s election posters.
‘A pivotal moment in our history’
Speaking ahead of the visit, Kate has described the welcoming the descendants to London as a “real honour” and that them meeting Prime Minister Andy Burnham will “right a historic wrong”.
Ms Osborne said: “Welcoming the descendants of the Jarrow Crusade to Parliament is a real honour. The men who took part in the march were standing up for their families, their community and their right to work.
“They demonstrated the strength, solidarity and determination of the people of Jarrow. Ninety years later, their story is still relevant and needs to be heard.
“Our history must be remembered and celebrated for the benefit of a new generation.
“The Jarrow Crusade is now rightly remembered as a pivotal moment in our history and - finally they will be heard in Downing Street.
“Prime Minister Andy Burnham meeting the descendants today and listening to their history has helped to right a historic wrong and given the families the welcome the marchers should have received in 1936.
“Hosting all the events this month and listening to the memories and stories of those crusaders from their children has been moving and inspiring, and I want to thank all of them for sharing their personal stories.
“I will keep our Jarrow rebel spirit and story alive and in the memory of Ellen Wilkinson will do all I can to keep Jarrow at the heart of the fight for social justice.”