He was addressing a united campaign meeting aimed at repealing anti-trade union laws, which was held at the John Godber Centre on Ogle Street.

In his fiery speech, Mr Lavery said: "Getting rid of these repressive laws should be at the top of the agenda."

He was applauded when he added: "Even with the best lawyers, I do not think we are going to win this battle except by a process of non-compliance – with direct action "

Trade unionists and supporters from as far afield as Yorkshire, Northumberland, Shropshire and Lincoln attended the meeting and there was a turnout of nearly 100 for the morning session.

About a dozen speakers representing different industries expressed their support for a 'Trade Union Freedom Bill'.

Bob Monks, general secretary of the United Road Transport Union (URTU), hit out at the Labour government for filibustering a Private Members' Bill, calling for the anti-trade union laws to be repealed.

He accused the government of "doing nothing during their ten years in power to support working men and women".

Trades Union Congress regional secretary Roger McKenzie said many people had the image of unions as an "outdated, cloth-capped movement", summed up by Peter Sellers in the film 'I'm All Right Jack'.

The Notts NUM general secretary and national vice-president, Keith Stanley, said members of his union had been among the main victims of anti-trade union laws.

"After the 1984/85 miners' strike, British Coal refused to recognise my union," said Mr Stanley.

He claimed that one NUM member was sacked for organising an 'illegal' branch meeting when he was only having a cup of tea with workmates.

During the evening, a social event was held at the centre to mark the 20th anniversary of the closure of Linby Colliery.

A display of memorabilia included a photo of the Linby Colliery football team who reached the First Round proper of the FA Cup before losing 4-1 to Gillingham at a packed Gatehouse Ground on Saturday November 25 1950.

The highly-acclaimed Nottingham Clarion Choir – who describe themselves as a 'socialist' choir, though not affiliated to any political party – sang during the event.