DELEGATES at Aslef’s annual conference in Cardiff have voted to donate £1,000 to the Morning Star.

Simon Weller, assistant general secretary at the train drivers’ union, told conference: “It’s always been said that the people in power should read two newspapers: the Financial Times, to know what business thinks, and the Morning Star, to know what the workers think. 

“Although we have issues with some of its coverage, especially of trans issues and the war in Ukraine, we believe we should help a newspaper which, every day, reports accurately and honestly, about the labour movement and our battles in this country.”

Robert O’Connell, Northern Line North branch, added: “The Morning Star is the paper that stands with us, every day, on every picket line, and through every strike, and that is why we should stand with them.”

Morning Star editor Ben Chacko, welcoming the donation, said the newspaper is “proud to stand with Aslef members on the picket lines and in the fight for our railway’s future. 

“As a debating platform for the movement we know not everyone agrees with everything we publish, but we thank Aslef members for their support and the union knows there is always room in the Morning Star for its own perspectives too.”