Unedited outdoor broadcast footage recorded for an edition of the Tyne Tees Television current affairs programme ‘Briefing’ of the ‘Back to Jarrow’ demonstration that took place in the town on the 1st November 1981. The event was to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the arrival in London of the Jarrow Crusade in 1936. Crowds gather around a stage as hear various trade unionists and Labour politicians make speeches. These speeches are interrupted by the arrival of a group of marchers taking...

Unedited outdoor broadcast footage recorded for an edition of the Tyne Tees Television current affairs programme ‘Briefing’ of the ‘Back to Jarrow’ demonstration that took place in the town on the 1st November 1981. The event was to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the arrival in London of the Jarrow Crusade in 1936. Crowds gather around a stage as hear various trade unionists and Labour politicians make speeches. These speeches are interrupted by the arrival of a group of marchers taking part in a sponsored walk from Consett in support of those who lost their jobs in the town following the closer of Consett Iron and Steel Works in 1980. With the event over reporter Kevin Rountree speaks with Labour leader Michael Foot introducing him to two of the original marchers from1936 while Ian Breach speaks with a group of children and young people about their concerns and fears about their future employment prospects. On the King George V Playing Fields at Jarrow a large crowd, some carrying banners, gather around a stage across which a ‘Labour Weekly’ banner has been attached. Sitting on the stage a group of trade unionists and Labour politicians many of whom will be speaking at this demonstration. Joe Mills Regional Secretary of the Transport and General Workers’ Union (TGWU) acts as an announcer providing an update with regards a contingent from Consett who are marching the twenty miles to be with them. Joe Mills introduces Don Dixon Labour MP for Jarrow to the microphone to make a speech. He is followed by Michael Campbell from Tyne and Wear County Council, William Mark Hughes Labour MP for Durham and Chairman of the Northern Group of MP’s, Joyce Quin Labour MEP for South Tyne and Wear, George Arnold Chairman of the Regional Trade Union Congress (TUC), Judith Hart then Chair of the National Executive Committee of Labour and Ernest Glinne Chairman of the Socialist Group of Europe. As Ernest’s speech comes to an end the crowd begins to applaud and cheer as those from Consett arrives marching behind the banner for the Consett Constituency Labour Party. Other banners being carried by the group include one for the Sunderland Southwick Neighbourhood Youth Project and the Annfield Plan Labour Party. As the group of men and women of various ages gather around the stage Joe Mills welcomes them before leading them in a rendition of ‘We Shall Not Be Moved’ followed by three cheers. With everyone settled more speakers come to the microphone beginning with a representative of the French Socialist Party who receives a standing ovation. His speech is cut short with the film cutting to Norman Willis Deputy General Secretary of the TUC making his speech. He is followed by the final speaker of the day Michael Foot Leader of the Labour Party. With his speech over Michael is presented with a commemoration of day by David Watkins Labour MP for Consett, a screen print produced by a group of young people from Consett. With the demonstration over reporter Kevin Rountree makes his way onto the stage and attempts to speak with Michael Foot who is signing autographs for a group of boys standing around the stage. A man wearing a pair of headphones attempts to keep people from walking in front of the camera. Finally getting his attention Kevin introduces Michael to two veterans from the 1936 Jarrow Crusade Sam Rowan and Bobby Moore. Michael is asked if there is any sign that Margaret Thatcher will do a U-turn in her policies relating to unemployment? He sees demonstrations such as today as being one form of pressure he and the Labour party can put on the Conservatives. Other questions are asked on Labour policy and on future electoral success. With the camera still recording commotions on the stage and Kevin Rowntree speaking with those around him. On the field and standing near to the Consett Constituency Labour Party presenter Ian Breach speaks with three unemployed young men about the demonstration and what they believed they got out of it. They see the day as a success and each support the Labour Party. Ian then asks those children and young people gathered around him about their concerns with regards prospects for employment in the future. Two young women talk about their experience on Youth Training Schemes (YTS), everyone is in support for the Labour movement and hopes for change.