← Back to House of Commons Debates

Commemoration of Matchgirls’ Strike 2025-07-16

16 July 2025

Lead MP

Uma Kumaran

Debate Type

Adjournment Debate

Tags

EducationEconomyTaxationEmployment
Other Contributors: 7

At a Glance

Uma Kumaran raised concerns about commemoration of matchgirls’ strike 2025-07-16 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Opened the debate
I am grateful for the opportunity to open this debate and pay tribute to the matchgirls—the young women of the Bryant & May match factory in Bow who endured long hours, pitiful pay, and appalling working conditions. They fought against white phosphorus poisoning that led to a condition called 'phossy jaw' and walked out on strike in July 1888 with some 1,400 girls marching from Bow to Parliament. The matchgirls’ strike lit the spark of the new labour movement and trade unionism in Britain, forming the basis for today's fight for workers' rights. I ask the Minister whether we will formally recognise their role in British history and education.

Government Response

EducationEconomyTaxationEmployment
Government Response
I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing her first Adjournment debate, highlighting the courageous actions of the matchgirls in 1888. We have made great advancements in working conditions but there are still issues to address today such as discrimination and unsafe working environments. The Employment Rights Bill aims to tackle these by strengthening dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers, expanding gender pay gap action plans, and addressing insecure work practices. This Labour Government is committed to ensuring that workplaces are safe for women and continuing the work of the matchgirls to improve workers’ rights. We've provided a statutory national curriculum that sets out subjects to be taught in maintained schools. While there is flexibility within the framework, especially in history education, I encourage teaching about the matchgirls’ strike as part of local history content. Resources such as those from Oak National Academy and the Historical Association can aid this endeavour. Regarding commemoration, while it's not standard practice for central government to fund statues or memorials, there is a long tradition of public subscription funding successful projects. The Government’s memorial grant scheme offers indirect assistance by covering VAT costs for charities and faith groups in constructing public memorial structures, with an annual budget of £500,000. I urge the hon. Member to correspond with DCMS for more detailed advice on establishing memorials.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About House of Commons Debates

House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.