Calls for inquiry into policing of strike

Fife Council becomes second authority to give its support

Fife Council has agreed to officially request a Scottish Government inquiry into the policing of the miners’ strike more than three decades ago.

They will become the second local authority in Scotland to put pressure on justice minister Michael Matheson after similar moves by East Lothian Council.

It is hoped a Scottish inquiry will be a first step on the road to justice for hundreds of former miners who believe they were wrongly arrested, sacked and blacklisted during the bitter dispute.

The call comes just weeks after the UK Government rejected an investigation into the so-called Battle of Orgreave in West Yorkshire, which saw ugly clashes between pickets and police.

Former miners north of the border claim “shining the light of truth” on policing in Scotland would strengthen the Orgreave campaigners as they continue their fight.

Councillors in Fife unanimously backed a motion urging the local authority to write to the Scottish Government asking for an inquiry.

Former miners Tom Adams and Bobby Clelland, both now Labour councillors, said endeavours should be made for an application to the Scottish

It’s becoming more and more clear there was a political decision to interfere in the police. COUNCILLOR TOM ADAMS

Criminal Cases Review Commission.

Mr Adams said he was delighted to have found cross-party support.

“We now need more councils to do likewise to put more pressure on the justice minister,” he said.

“It’s becoming more and more clear there was a political decision to interfere in the police.

“I’m very happy to have got the full support of the council.”

He added: “The decision by the UK Government last month not to have an inquiry into events at Orgreave was an atrocious and unjust decision.

“Scotland has an opportunity to lead the way in getting to the truth and providing justice for the miners who believe they were victims of a miscarriage of justice.”

Mr Adams said that the description of miners by then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as “the enemy within” had been a vile slur on families and neighbourhoods.

“The Scottish Government has a chance to grant justice for our wronged miners instead of merely talking about it,” he said.

Pictures: UNS. Above and below: Local television images shot during the infamous so-called Battle of Orgreave.