Government Initiates Official Orgreave Inquiry to Pursue Justice for Miners
The UK government has announced the formal commencement of a long-awaited official inquiry into the violent events at the Orgreave coking plant during the 1984-85 miners' strike. This inquiry, chaired by Pete Wilcox, the Bishop of Sheffield, aims to bring closure and justice to those affected by the notorious clash and the subsequent discredited prosecutions.
Terms of Reference and Timeline
The terms of reference for the Orgreave inquiry are designed to mirror those of the landmark Hillsborough Independent Panel. The primary objectives include seeking the fullest possible disclosure of information and producing a comprehensive report by spring 2028. This report is intended to "aid public understanding" of the events that unfolded over four decades ago.
Historical Context of the Orgreave Violence
On 18 June 1984, approximately 8,000 miners gathered for a mass picket at Orgreave, three months into the National Union of Mineworkers' strike against planned pit closures. They were met by 6,000 police officers from forces across the nation, led by South Yorkshire Police. The ensuing violence has become infamous, with police charging miners on horseback and striking men over the head with truncheons, as captured in photographs that have since become symbolic of the conflict.
Discredited Prosecutions and Campaign Efforts
Following the clash, prosecutions were brought against 95 miners, but these cases were dropped during the trial in June 1985 after police officers' evidence was discredited in court. Michael Mansfield, who represented several defendants, famously described the prosecutions as "the biggest frame-up ever." The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, formed in 2012, has tirelessly sought a statutory inquiry, expressing disappointment at the time taken to reach this formal start while welcoming the announcement.
Panel Composition and Statements
The inquiry panel includes four distinguished members:
- Wendy Williams, a former chief prosecutor in the Crown Prosecution Service and inspector in the police and fire service inspectorate.
- Mary Bousted, former joint general secretary of the National Education Union.
- Joanna Gilmore, a senior lecturer in law at the University of York, specialising in public order, human rights, and policing policy.
- Angela Sutton-Vane, a historian with expertise in archiving and preserving police records.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones emphasised the inquiry's purpose to "get to the truth," noting the palpable sense of injustice among campaigners. Bishop Pete Wilcox committed to following the evidence "without prejudice," aiming to resolve a trauma that persists for miners, their families, and communities.
Support and Commitment
South Yorkshire Police has stated they are "fully committed to supporting the Orgreave inquiry." The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign highlighted the determination of its members, supported by the wider labour and trade union movement, to ensure the inquiry is shaped by miners' experiences rather than being police-led.
