Matchgirls’ Strike of 1888

So proud to use my first ever adjournment debate to pay tribute to the legacy of Bow’s Matchgirls.

Brave young women who 137 years ago this week, walked from Bow to Parliament to support the 1,400 women who walked out of the Bryant and May factory in protest at dangerous and inhumane working conditions.

They lit the spark of the modern trade union movement and are an integral part of British history.

My thanks to all those who spoke and helped make this happen, and my eternal solidarity to all those brave women and girls from 1888.

Watch my full speech here:

Big thanks to the Slice Tower Hamlets for coming along to Parliament to see the exhibition and covering this important part of Bow’s history: https://romanroadlondon.com/bryant-may-matchgirls-bow-strike-exhibition-parliament-uma-kumaran-mp/