2-378-081 - Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images

Keir Hardie speaking at a peace rally in Trafalgar Square, London, 2 August, 1914. James Keir Hardie (1856-1915) was a Scottish trade unionist and politician. A founder member of the Labour Party, he served as Member of Parliament for West Ham from 1892-1895 and Merthyr Tydfil from 1900-1915. As well as championing wokers' rights, he was also a prominent supporter of the suffragettes' campaign for votes for women. A pacifist, Hardie was vehemently opposed to the First World War and unsuccessfully attempted, in collaboration with socialists in other countries, to organise a general strike to stop the conflict. He spoke against the war at demonstrations across Britain and supported the stance of conscientious objectors.