First Secretary of State Louise Haigh's speech to the Trade Union Congress 2026

First Secretary of State Louise Haigh's speech to the Trade Union Congress 2026.

It’s a real privilege to be here with you today, albeit in very sad circumstances.

As has been said, you will all know the news of the Prime Minister’s father , that he very sadly passed away on Sunday night.

I’m sure I speak for everyone here today…

When I say that our love and our best wishes are with Andy and his family as they grieve the loss of a husband, a father and a grandfather.

The Prime Minister has talked so openly and so movingly about the influence that his father, Roy, had on his life and on his politics.

And many of you in this room will have had to personally experience the devastating impact that Alzheimer’s can have on the lives of you and your loved ones.

It’s at times like these that you want to be surrounded by the people closest to you…

And that’s one of the reasons why Andy was so sorry he couldn’t be here today…

Because the Prime Minister understands that the strength of our movement is drawn from our roots in the trade unions…

And that moments like these are such a valuable opportunity to come together.

To remind ourselves of our common endeavour…

Of what binds us and unites us in our daily fight to improve the lives of working people.

Like all families, we have and will always have our differences…

But on days like today, we should come together and remind ourselves of all that we have in common…

And everything that we have achieved, together.

At various points, I’ve sat next to some of you around the negotiating table…

And at other times, I’ve sat across from you.

Sometimes you’ve backed us; sometimes you’ve challenged us.

Sometimes you’ve told us exactly what you think.

But through all those years - in Opposition and in Government - there is a unifying belief that has bound us together.

And has shaped everything I’ve worked to achieve since.

The belief that when ordinary people find themselves up against powerful institutions…