LEGENDARY British actor and trade unionist Ricky Tomlinson brought the bakers conference to its feet yesterday with a rousing call to action in the face of government austerity.

Mr Tomlinson, famous for his portrayal as Jim Royale in the Royale Family, was sentenced to two years in prison in 1972 during the national building workers strike.

He and Des Warren were known as the Shrewsbury Two and Mr Tomlinson continues to campaign for both their sentences to be quashed.

Comparing the political nature of his trial with today’s attacks on workers, Mr Tomlinson said: “During my trial I thought one day they are going to make it a crime to be a trade union member.

“And I tell you, we’re getting to that point. That’s why conferences like this are important.”

Speaking about his father, who was a baker and died of cancer, suspected to have been contracted due to terrible working conditions, Mr Tomlinson said: “He would be proud of the health and safety campaign your union is promoting and for the magnificent stand made by Hovis workers in Wigan last year.”