Nick Smith MP on the Six Bells mining disaster anniversary
The service, held at Six Bells Learning Campus, was poignant and powerful, with stirring performances from Abertillery Town Band and Ebbw Fach Mixed Choir, and readings from local dignitaries. This was followed by a short walk to lay wreaths at the Guardian statue, a potent, expressive, and ever impressive 20m tall reminder of those lost on that terrible day.
What was particularly special about the event was the attendance of former miners who were at Six Bells at the time of the accident, modest men who experienced the darkest day in their community, who will describe the bravery of their friends and teammates all those years ago.
The memory of Six Bells is a stark reminder of the worst dangers that miners faced. Even at its best it was a perilous and punishing job.
I come from a mining family. I'm named after three colliers - my uncles on my mother's side.
I have family who were badly injured working in the mines, as many men were. Even those who avoided serious injuries in the pits have, in many cases, suffered poor health in later life.
These men risked their lives every day to keep the country running and that is why I campaigned so hard for Mineworker Pension Scheme members to be given a boost to their pensions, a change thankfully brought to fruition thanks to our UK Labour Government.
Recently I have been asking for the same fair play to be given to members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS), members that would include not just ex-colliers but also pit staff such as managers, supervisors, and also women who worked in the canteens and offices.
I have raised this in the House several times and I'm assured that work is ongoing into putting this right. I also met with scheme trustees in Parliament recently to talk through the next steps.
I'll be raising this again with chancellor Rachel Reeves in the months ahead.
Nick Smith is MP for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney.
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