ACTOR Ricky Tomlinson will be in York next week to speak trade unionism and his 1970s conviction over strike action.

Mr Tomlinson, star of The Royle Family, took part in the first national builders’ strike in 1972 and was jailed for two years on a charge of conspiracy.

He and fellow campaigners have long called for Government files on the case to be released but successive Home Secretaries have refused, citing national security.

Mr Tomlinson will speak at an event organised by York & District Trades Union Council (TUC).

The meeting will be at The Priory Street Centre at 7.30pm next Wednesday, June 26.