Barnsley MBC to add to growing number of Councils calling for a public inquiry into Orgreave

Councillors at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council are calling on the Home Secretary Amber Rudd to review her decision not to hold an inquiry into the policing of pickets at the Orgreave coking plant during the miners strike of 1984/5.

The motion is to be discussed at the full council meeting on Thursday 2nd February and it is expected to receive overwhelming support. Barnsley MBC will be joining a growing number of authorities condemning the Home Secretary’s decision in October 2016 not to hold an inquiry into police brutality at the South Yorkshire coking plant on 18 June 1984 as completely unjust.

Chair of Yorkshire Area NUM, Chris Skidmore said “Amber Rudd’s decision not to hold an inquiry into what happened at Orgreave is shameful. This government have shown total disregard for the miners at Orgreave, their families and communities who have shown remarkable fortitude for decades waiting for the truth to come out about what happened”

Councillor Mick Stowe said “Even the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) report about Orgreave alleges evidence of uncontrolled violence and perjury by police officers. Many of the arrested 95 miners were brutally attacked and seriously injured by the police on 18 June 1984 then arrested and charged with riot offences that could have resulted in a life sentence. It seems that the Home Secretary refuses to recognise the impact her decision has had on many of our residents who feel they are being denied justice.”

Craig Mansell a Miner arrested at Orgreave and member of the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign said “What happened that day represents one of the most momentous miscarriages of justice in this country’s history. The Home Office files soon to be released will give us part of the picture but only a full inquiry will help us establish the truth”

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