Trade union officials and MPs have paid tribute to Davey Hopper of the Durham Miners who died yesterday July 16th and took to the social media to pay tribute to Davey including TUC General Secretary, Frances O’Grady; Prison officers General Secretary Steve Gilliam; Matt Wrack of the FBU; Unison General Secretary Dave Prentis and former Unison General Secretary Rodney Bickestaffe and Jeremy Corby said that Davey was “a pillar of strength for the working class”
Ian Lavery, Labour MP for Wansbeck and former president of the National Union of Mineworkers, tweeted: “Sad news I’m afraid. My very good friend the legendary Durham Miners general secretary Davey Hopper died this afternoon. RIP comrade & friend”.
Grahame Morris, Labour MP for Easington, tweeted: “Dave Hopper a colossus of the trade union and labour movement who supported the oppressed & fought for social justice all of his life R.I.P.”
Unite’s Len McCluskey said: “On behalf of Unite the union I offer our deepest, most sincere condolences to Davey’s family, and to all members of the Durham Miners’ Association.
“Hearts will be heavy today as we reflect upon the loss of this brilliant and determined man, a giant of our movement, a man dedicated to justice, equality and the betterment of his community.
“I have lost a great friend but I won’t be alone in remembering Davey with huge affection and admiration. He was a true friend to working people and a proud son of the north east who brought passion and grit to the fight to improve the lives of working people.
“His legacy will, of course, live on in the Gala, the most vibrant union gathering in the world, which thrives because Davey never, ever let us forget that we must celebrate our traditions, we must not lose our history and we must bring our values to all that we seek to achieve today.”
