138th anniversary of the Matchgirls' Strike

Early day motion 542, tabled 7 July 2026 by Apsana Begum (Labour). Signed by 11 members.

That this House marks 138 years since the landmark 1888 strike by women and girls working at the Bryant and May match factory in the East End of London; and recognises that this was a pivotal moment in the history of trade unionism and workers' rights in the UK, demonstrating the power of collective action by highly exploited workers, particularly women.

Signatures by party: Green 5, Labour 3, DUP 1, Independent 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.