Today is International Workers Memorial Day.

A lot has been done for health and safety in the workplace. Labour introduced the Health and Safety Act and created the Health and Safety Executive. But there is still more to be done.

Today reminds me of when I met George, a 91 year old former miner who worked in Frickley Colliery for 46 years of his life. 

During his time underground, he helped rescue and carry out 4 injured men from the pit. He himself sustained injuries, once quite badly.

The Conservatives try to make us believe that only the richest among us are the wealth creators of this country. But they are wrong; working people like this former miner are the truth wealth creators. 

He is a true hero and Britain became great because of people like him, who have contributed so much often in return for little reward. 

He came to see me because he is a little unsteady on his feet, but the local GP can no longer provide the chiropody service he needs. It now costs £20 each visit, which he can ill afford. In this way the Tories reintroducing charges into the NHS.