DURHAM miners’ leader Davey Hopper pledged yesterday that rail workers would have the support of former miners and their communities in forthcoming industrial battles.

In a stirring speech to the annual RMT conference in Newcastle, he said the last three deep coalmines in Britain face closure this year.

Noting that RMT’s own industry is under attack, Mr Hopper said: “You have a hell of a battle on your hands. They are looking for you. They are looking for you because you are unionised and they hate unions.

“I hope you win and I hope you will be united. Don’t be isolated like the miners were,” he said, referring to the epic 1984-85 miners’ strike against pit closures.

“There are not many miners left, but we still have influence in our communities and we will support you.

“The miners will not be found wanting — what is left of them. Our communities will not be found wanting.”

Mr Hopper launched a damning attack on the Labour Party, arguing that it had to be taken back to its original role of representing the interests of the working class.

He said thousands of former miners and their families would be taking out the £3 “supporter” category of Labour Party membership to vote for left-wing leadership candidate Jeremy Corbyn.