Brixton public meeting: the 1926 General Strike discussed, Thursday 25th June 2026

A general strike took place in the United Kingdom from 4 to 12 May 1926.

It was called by the General Council of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in an unsuccessful attempt to force the British government to act to prevent wage-reductions and worsening conditions for 1.2 million locked-out coal miners. Some 1.7 million workers went out, especially in transport and in heavy industry.

It was a sympathy strike, with many of those who were not miners and not directly affected striking to support the locked-out miners. As well as workplace stoppages other organisation included ‘Councils of Action, food distribution, and support for picket lines in some places.

The government was well prepared, and enlisted middle- and upper-class volunteers to maintain essential services. There was little violence and the TUC gave up in defeat.