“His life was one of trade union commitment, courage, and unyielding dedication to the cause of the working class movement”

Arthur Murray, third from left.

Rest in Power Arthur Murray (1934-2024) 

The Public Interest Law Centre is very sad to hear of the passing of Arthur Murray who was a key figure in the fight for justice for the Shrewsbury 24 pickets. Alongside Ricky Tomlinson and Des Warren, Arthur was jailed for his trade union activities. Both he and Ricky (and later the family of Brian Williams) instructed PILC to act for them in the Court of Appeal which resulted in the convictions being quashed.

Arthur was a campaigner for workers' rights, and his life was one of trade union commitment, courage, and unyielding dedication to the cause of the working class movement.

Born in 1934, Arthur grew up in a working-class family, embodying the spirit of solidarity that would define him. He rose to national prominence in 1972 as one of the Shrewsbury 24—a group of construction workers unjustly prosecuted for their involvement in industrial action during the National Builders strike of 1972

Along with Des Warren and Ricky Tomlinson, Arthur was unjustly imprisoned. Despite the conviction and subsequent blacklisting, Arthur remained committed in his pursuit of justice for those jailed following the strike.

Along with Ricky, Arthur had faced down the false assertions that he ‘gave up’ in respect of the pursuit of justice for the wrongful convictions of the 24 builders as a whole, and imprisonment of 6 of them. It is important to note that:

· Arthur was the sole Appellant against the sentences passed in the second Shrewsbury trial.

· Arthur was the sole Applicant in the first application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission in 2003.

· Ricky and Arthur were the lead Applicants in the second application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission in 2010.

· When the case went back to the High Court – Ricky and Arthur were very much front and centre of the case.

For decades, Arthur campaigned relentlessly to overturn the wrongful convictions of the Shrewsbury 24. His tireless efforts, along with those of his fellow pickets and supporters, finally bore fruit in 2021 when the Court of Appeal quashed the convictions, marking a historic victory for workers’ rights in the UK.

Although his role has seemingly been ignored by the ‘official’ movement - Arthur’s unwavering determination was central to this landmark achievement, a testament to his belief in the power of collective action and justice. As part of his legal team of Piers Marquis, Annabel Timan (both Doughty Street chambers) and his previous lawyer Campbell Malone, PILC are proud to have represented him in the Court of Appeal.

Beyond his role as part of the Shrewsbury 24, Arthur was a community leader, trade union activist, and mentor to many. He inspired generations of workers with his stories of resilience and his belief that justice, though often delayed, could be won with perseverance and solidarity.

Arthur is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and countless friends and comrades. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who continue to fight for fairness and equality, as he did throughout his life.

Rest in power, Arthur Murray. Your fight will not be forgotten.