OUR movement has always been a target for attack by governments, as has been proved by revelations in the media of large-scale state spying on trade unionists.

The police, through its now disbanded Special Demonstration Squad, spied, infiltrated and even began romantic relationships — in some cases fathering children — with members of activist organisations and environmental and anti-racist campaigns.

We also know that Peter Francis, a former undercover police officer, spied on members of the FBU, Unison, CWU, NUT and the NUS.

The FBU’s second motion at Congress demands that these issues are fully addressed by the Pitchford inquiry which Home Secretary Theresa May set up in July to investigate how political and social justice campaigners were targeted by undercover police units.

The TUC and the Blacklist Support Group should also be given “core participant” status so their case can be at the centre of the inquiry.

Trade unions are the largest democratic, mass membership organisations in Britain.

Elected labour representatives should not be subject to secret state interference.

Lives have been wrecked from the fallout of state spying.

The Pitchford inquiry is an opportunity for this injustice to be corrected and for our movement to expose and challenge state interference in our movement.

• Matt Wrack is general secretary of the FBU.