CONSTRUCTION union Ucatt general secretary Steve Murphy has urged the labour and trade union movement to support the Morning Star as it embarks on a £150,000 appeal for investment.

The paper’s Summer of Heroes campaign is a drive to improve coverage and circulation in the face of a coalition hell-bent on privatising public services and smashing trade unions, aided and abetted by friends in the mainstream media.

Mr Murphy said: “Our members and delegates recognise that the Morning Star is unique in its coverage and support for the labour movement. 

“We believe it is essential that this paper not only continues but grows, so it becomes a powerful voice not just for us but everyone suffering poverty, unemployment and injustice.”

Last week, Ucatt regions up and down Britain sent their messages to the movement with advertising in the Morning Star worth £2,000.

Conference urged delegates to support the paper - and they did, in droves. 

A collection from the floor raised over £850 and delegates bought Morning Star badges worth £130 to further identify with the paper. 

Others bought shares in the paper, which is owned by its readers and run by a co-operative, the People’s Press Printing Society. 

Morning Star campaigns organiser David Peel said: “This is a fighting union which stands up for its members and supports them in many many ways. We met delegates who thanks to Ucatt training schemes, now have the confidence to represent their members, and also the professional qualifications to be the best in their jobs.

“Their backing for this paper speaks volumes. It means we can shout louder in support of their daily struggles for a safer, better construction industry and against the utter disgrace of blacklisting. 

“I hope other trade unionists will follow their lead.”