Durham Police have announced a temporary drone ban will be in effect for the upcoming Durham Miners' Gala, often referred to as the "Big Meeting," on Saturday, July 12.
The Civil Aviation Authority has implemented an airspace restriction covering a 1.2-nautical-mile radius around the event. This means that all unmanned aircraft, with the exception of those operated by emergency services, are prohibited from flying within this zone. The restriction will be active from 1:01 AM until 8:00 PM on July 12th, and violating it will be considered an offense.
As Durham prepares for this significant annual event, the Durham Miners' Association (DMA) has confirmed the full lineup of platform speakers for the 2025 Gala.
This year, the DMA is set to welcome Dr. Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, as a featured speaker. Other notable figures addressing the crowds will include Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader and MP for Islington North, and Sharon Graham, General Secretary of the Unite trade union.
The inclusion of Jeremy Corbyn comes amidst recent speculation regarding the formation of a new left-wing political party. On Friday, July 4th, Mr. Corbyn indicated that discussions are "ongoing" about the structure of a prospective new party, following reports that MP Zarah Sultana, who lost the Labour whip last year, would be leaving the party to "co-lead the founding" of a new political venture with him.
Stephen Guy, Chairman of the DMA, expressed his enthusiasm for the speaker lineup, stating, "We have a great line-up of speakers for the 139th Gala. Our platform honours the Gala as a trade union event with a strong tradition of international solidarity."
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