Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A fund launched to help the grieving families of four miners killed in the Gleision Colliery disaster has raised £200,000, Peter Hain revealed today.
Phillip Hill, 45, Garry Jenkins, 39, David Powell, 50, and Charles Breslin, 62, died when water engulfed the pit at Cilybebyll, near Pontardawe, in South Wales.
Their deaths devastated the small community and well-wishers were urged to support the men's relatives by giving cash to a memorial fund.
Speaking to delegates at Labour's annual conference in Liverpool, the shadow Welsh secretary said donations had topped all expectations.
Praising all those who contributed "so magnificently" to the fund, he told activists: "Incredibly, we will be able to give over £200,000 to the families."
Mr Hain went on to claim the response to the "terrible tragedy" demonstrated Labour's founding principles in the Welsh heartlands.
He said: "The heart-warming response of so many has reminded us of our values, values which, over the generations, have triumphed over trauma and hardship.
"Values of solidarity, caring, mutual aid and mutual co-operation.
"The Labour Party stands today, as we always have done, in the best spirit and proud tradition of miners and their families and their communities to fight and win again for justice and equality for all."
Mr Hain was speaking as he introduced Wales's First Minister Carwyn Jones, Labour's most powerful politician in the UK.
Mr Jones told the conference the accident sparked "a sense of community witnessed by the world".
He added: "We must build on that sense of community."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments