Dennis Skinner joins musicians and activists to raise funds for Salford Unemployed and Community Resource Centre

VETERAN MP Dennis Skinner topped a line-up of music and politics last Friday, to raise money for Salford Unemployed and Community Resource Centre.

The long-serving politician answered a range of questions and told stories from his 50-year career at the Moston Miners’ Club event, to raise funds for Salford Unemployed and Community Resource Centre (SUCRC).

The man nicknamed ‘The Beast of Bolsover’ for his acerbic wit told the packed crowd of his fight against war and Conservative policies, even singing a Frank Sinatra number at one point during his question-and-answer session.

The Labour MP closed the session in his trademark rousing speaking style, criticising the government’s treatment of the NHS and explaining why he supports Jeremy Corbyn for Prime Minister.

Skinner said: “Whenever I’ve walked through the lobby against [Conservative policies], one person has always been there with me and that man is Jeremy Corbyn.”

A Night with Dennis Skinner raising funds for Salford Unemployed Centre #VoteLabour pic.twitter.com/IbuL7Nt8Kz

— Cllr Chris Goodwin (@ChrisGoodwin73) April 20, 2018

Also appearing was Salford and Eccles MP Rebecca Long-Bailey, poet Argh Kid and musical guests From Carbon and The Northern Rambler.

Brilliant to have the legend that is Dennis Skinner with us in conversation on Friday night. Putting the world to rights and supporting the great and dedicated staff at the Salford Unemployed Community Resource Centre @Paulabarker1 @Salford_Lewis pic.twitter.com/WzFtLHeo89

— Rebecca Long-Bailey (@RLong_Bailey) April 23, 2018

The total raised at the event has not yet been announced, but a similar fundraiser featuring filmmaker Ken Loach raised nearly £6,000 for SUCRC last year.

Salford Unemployed and Community Resource Centre is an Eccles-based charity that offers a wide range of help and support to vulnerable people across the City of Salford.

The centre’s services include free legal representation, employability workshops and foodbank referrals. SUCRC also runs free English language classes and helps rehabilitate ex-prisoners with its Salford Prison Project.

SUCRC says its funding from central government has been cut by 50% in the last 12 months, leading to an increase in the number of fundraisers for the centre.

For more information on Salford Unemployed and Community Resource Centre, see their website.