Ricky Tomlinson pays tribute to 'working class hero' Bob Crow
Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson today paid tribute to "working class hero" Bob Crow after the trade union leader's shock death yesterday at the age of 52.
Mr Tomlinson said he knew the The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union boss for many years, describing him as "one of these old fashioned people in the sense that he really really cared".
In 2010 they both took part in a march through Shrewsbury to highlight the campaign calling for the release of documents relating to the Shrewsbury 24 campaign, which relates to the 1972 national building workers' strike.
Mr Tomlinson and a group of pickets were arrested five months after the strike and jailed for intimidating workers and violent picketing in Telford.
The actor has been trying to clear his name ever since.
Mr Tomlinson described Mr Crow, who died from an aneursym and massive heart attack, as a "lovely man" .
He was one of the most high profile campaigners for the Shrewsbury 24 and last December joined Mr Tomlinson and other campaigners to deliver a 100,000-signature petition to 10 Downing Street calling for the release of documents relating to the strike.
Mr Tomlinson said: "I only saw him two or three weeks ago in Wrexham when I was saying that I was going to come to Shrewsbury and speak up about the documents uncovered."
He added: "Outside of the spotlight Bob would sit down and have a pint with anyone.
"He was a real working class hero because there was no grandeur about him.
"The cuts at the moment are crippling people so our feelings are stronger then ever.
"Bob will be sorely missed. We will obviously attend the funeral when an announcement is made."
The RMT boss leaves a partner, Nicola Hoarau, 50, and four children.
He is said to have been unwell in recent weeks and to have visited the hospital where he died today for treatment.
Mr Crow was constantly involved with industrial disputes and campaigns and led a walkout by London Underground workers last month in a dispute over ticket office closures.
London Mayor Boris Johnson said: "I'm shocked. Bob Crow was a fighter and a man of character.
"Bob fought tirelessly for his beliefs and for his members.
"There can be absolutely no doubt that he played a big part in the success of the Tube, and he shared my goal to make transport in London an even greater success.
It's a sad day."
