For 51 weeks of the year, Tolpuddle is a sleepy, picturesque village nestling quietly in the South Dorset countryside – but for one weekend each July, it erupts! The Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival is loud, busy, musical, thoughtful and, often, offers an insightful celebration of trade unionism. It is held in remembrance of the events that unfolded here in the 1830s, when six farmworkers formed a union, swearing to support each other in rejecting a cut in their wages. Their oath was deemed to be unlawful, and they were transported to Australia. After a massive public outcry, they were freed and returned home before their seven-year sentences were complete – and these events marked a turning point in the fight for workers’ rights and the trades union movement.
The Martyrs Museum in Tolpuddle, and the annual Festival, are supported wholeheartedly by the Trades Union Congress (TUC). In more recent times, trade unions were more equivocal in their support of the European Union (EU). The term ‘lexiter’ was coined to describe those adhering to a left-wing critique of the EU, particularly focused on its economic policies and rules. Most unions did not campaign for or against Brexit, but there was no unanimity and, at best, little enthusiasm for the EU.
Bearing this ambivalence in mind, Dorset for Europe decided last year to apply for a table in their large marquee – and we were surprised and delighted by the welcome. Thus encouraged, we applied for a space again this year and obtained financial support for this from the European Movement UK, for which we are very grateful. Once more the event was well attended. We were greatly encouraged by the increase in the number who stopped by to chat about the UK’s relationship with the EU. This included opinions about the government’s current strides toward its ‘reset’ and progress toward alleviating some of the damage done by the previous administration in Westminster.
In the main, those that came and spoke to us were optimistic about the government’s reset policy and looked forward to more (faster) work in that direction, over the months to come. Even some of the nay-sayers were keen that we should ensure a very close relationship with the EU in standards and accept the UK’s non-divergence, to encourage improved trade and to remove potential barriers. Another point being made was that the UK should seek pan-European recognition of professional qualifications in as many industries and areas as possible.
We used an opinion-o-meter to spark conversations, as well as a map of Europe, asking people to reflect on how many countries they had visited in Europe (which provoked much happy reflection!). We found a welcome support for anything that can be done to stop the potential risks of an increasing cultural and educational divide, such as re-joining ERASMUS+, the proposed Youth Experience Scheme and anything that could ease travel and work for those engaged in music and the creative arts industry. We found some people were concerned about deviation from well accepted EU standards on pesticides, this considered as another area for dynamic alignment to be maintained.
In many of our conversations we were asked if the UK could ever become involved in the EU customs union and/or the single market, which is unsurprising, as opinion polls regularly show this to be a popular option. It is very evident that this is an area that many of our visitors grieve heavily about, particularly the loss of freedoms to travel easily across the continent, including those, having retired and possibly owning property in the EU, who are now restricted to the 90/180 day rule.
Overall, the desired direction of travel seems to be in the UK becoming an EU member at some future time. The insights and interest shown by the workers and trade unionists attending our stall were encouraging and thoughtful, and we heard much disappointment that this ‘re-join’ target is likely to be a long time coming. Most would agree that the UK will need to be more than just a ‘fair-weather friend’ toward the EU, to ensure that solid commitment could be demonstrated towards that end result. It was the young who could reap that benefit, when the time is right.
