LUDDITES AND DECENT STANDARDS OF LIFE

That this House recognises the contribution to the development of the rights of working people made by the men and women of Yorkshire, Lancashire and Nottingham known as the Luddites; recalls the large number of men killed, executed and transported in 1812 as working people struggled to survive during the economic depression brought on by war with France and poor harvest at home; and calls for a suitable memorial to be erected in memory of the Luddites who were never opposed to innovation but merely strived to maintain decent standards of living for their families and communities in turbulent times.