Calls for miners’ strike policing inquiry

The shadow Scottish secretary has urged the SNP to “shine the light of truth” on policing during the 1984-85 miners’ strike by holding an inquiry in Scotland.

Dave Anderson, who worked as a miner for 20 years, said Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has the opportunity to “right a wrong” and secure justice for miners across the UK.

Last week, UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd ruled out a public inquiry into the clashes between police and miners at the so-called Battle of Orgreave in South Yorkshire, which saw some of the most violent scenes of the strike.

Campaigners in Scotland dispute claims that policing of the strike at sites such as Ravenscraig was different to that south of the border, and argue that political interference in the strike “undoubtedly” had an impact on its policing in Scotland.

An estimated 500 people were convicted and 206 men were sacked in Scotland during the bitter industrial dispute with Margaret Thatcher’s Tory government.

Speaking at the National Mining Museum Scotland in Midlothian, Mr Anderson, the MP for Blaydon, told the Scottish Government: “You’ve got a chance to right this wrong on behalf of the people of Scotland and also help us in England and Wales to get some justice as well.”

Addressing an audience of dozens of ex-miners, many of whom were arrested during the strike, he added: “Michael Matheson can resolve this, Nicola Sturgeon can resolve this, by saying we want to look into what happened in this country and shine the light of truth on what happened.”

The event was chaired by Labour MSP Neil Findlay, who has long campaigned for the Scottish Government to hold an inquiry.

Former miners who attended the event also called for a campaign to be set up in Scotland, similar to the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign.

Picture: PA. Shadow Scottish secretary Dave Anderson addresses the meeting at the National Mining Museum in Midlothian.