LABOUR leadership contender Jeremy Corbyn is to speak at a public meeting in Wirral this week aimed at bringing his grass-roots message of social justice to the borough.

Mr Corbyn, who is being backed by union Unite, will speak at Birkenhead Town Hall on Thursday evening.

The meeting has been organised by Wirral Trades Union Council.

Alec McFadden, Wirral TUC secretary and meeting chair, said: “This is great boost for Jeremy’s campaign and we are delighted that he is coming to Merseyside.

“A re-invigorated Labour party led by Jeremy Corbyn is the best chance we have to resist a Tory regime."

Mr Corbyn said: “It is a great honour to receive Unite’s nomination, and it underlines that this a serious campaign that has growing momentum.

“The leadership election is about one issue above others: whether we accept another five years of a race to the bottom based on cuts that destroy services and damage living standards, or whether we invest our way to a growth and fairness.

“The whole of trades union history has been based on protecting people from austerity.

“Without trade unions there would be no Equal Pay Act, no minimum pay, no Labour Party.

“Trade unions are a force for good, a force for prosperity and we should listen to them more.

“For Labour to win again it must show it is on the side of the majority.

“I thank Unite for their nomination, not just for myself but for all those people who have already brought their time, efforts and hope to my campaign."

  • The public meeting takes place at Birkenhead Town Hall on Thursday, July 9 at 7.30pm.