A Very British Conspiracy: The Shrewsbury 24 and the Campaign for Justice

In 1973, a group of North Wales building workers were arrested for picketing-related offences during the first and only national building workers strike in Britain. Eileen Turnbull's book "A Very British Conspiracy" reveals how the state prosecuted these workers and the campaign that was established to overturn this miscarriage of justice. The convictions were finally quashed by the Court of Appeal in 2021, after forty-eight years of ostracism and criminalization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2022
Publisher: Verso Books

In 1973, a group of North Wales building workers found themselves arrested for picketing-related offenses during the first and only national building workers strike in Britain the year before. This pivotal event marked a significant turning point in the suppression of trade unionism within the building industry, a setback from which it has yet to recover.

A Very British Conspiracy, authored by Eileen Turnbull, is the first book to unravel the complete narrative of how the state prosecuted these workers and the valiant campaign that emerged to rectify this grave injustice. Through meticulous research and forensic analysis, Turnbull unveils government and police documents that expose the meticulous planning behind the prosecution of the 24 men. She meticulously uncovers how the state employed the criminal justice system to secure convictions, even in the absence of substantial evidence.

This book delves into the extraordinary lengths the Police and prosecution went to criminalize trade unionists, employing tactics that were both unjust and oppressive. The premature death of the lead picket, Des Warren, served as the catalyst for a group of North West trade unionists and several pickets to unite in 2006. Their collective determination led to the formation of a campaign aimed at achieving justice.

After forty-eight long years of being ostracized and labeled criminals in their communities, the convictions of the pickets were finally quashed by the Court of Appeal in March 2021. The book vividly captures the emotions and experiences of the pickets and their families, who had endured decades of persecution and discrimination. It also sheds light on the unwavering commitment of the Campaign committee members who tirelessly fought for this historic victory.

A Very British Conspiracy is a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of those who stood up against injustice. It serves as a reminder of the importance of trade unionism in protecting workers' rights and the vital role of collective action in achieving social change. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history of labor movements, the fight for justice, and the ongoing struggle for workers' rights in Britain.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 153 x 233 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804290149