The Commons Speaker today praised trade unions for the "invaluable" work they perform in promoting fairness and equality.

John Bercow was fulsome in his praise of union campaigns past and present when he addressed the TUC Congress in Brighton.

"The work you do in resolving grievances, standing up for the disadvantaged is important work which deserves respect, and it certainly has mine."

Mr Bercow spoke of the "heroic struggle"of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, adding it was "hugely to the credit" of the TUC and its affiliated unions that they campaigned for rights in countries such as Zimbabwe and Saudi Arabia.

Delegates listened politely to the speech - the first to the TUC Congress by a Commons Speaker - although some pointed out later that Mr Bercow will be presiding over the second reading of the controversial Trade Union Bill in the Commons this afternoon.

He gave no mention of the proposed new law or the election of Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader, instead setting out measures he had taken to make sure Commons staff and contractors were paid the London living wage and were not on zero hours contracts.

"I am proud to be here. I respect and admire the invaluable work you do in promoting fairness in the workplace and the work you do in pursuit of equality across society," he said.