Background of the Orgreave Confrontation
A public inquiry has been announced to investigate the violent confrontation that occurred at Orgreave during the 1984 miners’ strike. This event, which took place on 18 June 1984, resulted in 120 injuries and left many unanswered questions for decades. The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, emphasized that the events at Orgreave had a lasting impact on communities in Yorkshire and other mining areas. She stated that the violent scenes and subsequent prosecutions raised concerns that have remained unresolved, and now it is crucial to determine what exactly transpired.
Details of the Inquiry
The inquiry, expected to launch in the autumn, will examine the events surrounding the clashes at the Orgreave Coking Plant. It will be a statutory inquiry with the authority to compel individuals to provide information when necessary. The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, the Bishop of Sheffield, has agreed to chair the inquiry. He acknowledged the significance of the task and the high expectations placed upon it. The Home Office stated that the inquiry aims to enhance the public’s understanding of how the events unfolded on the day and in the immediate aftermath.
Concerns Raised by Campaign Groups
The Orgreave Truth & Justice Campaign (OTJC) has expressed its desire to uncover who was responsible for organizing and directing the deployment of multiple police forces, including mounted police equipped with truncheons, shields, and dogs, against striking miners. The group also seeks to understand how it was decided that striking miners should be attacked and arrested at Orgreave and charged with riot and unlawful assembly, which carried heavy prison sentences. Additionally, they want to know why the police operational order for deployments that day disappeared and why other evidence was destroyed or embargoed until 2066 and 2071.
Consultation and Next Steps
Formal consultation between the Home Secretary and the Rt Revd Wilcox on the inquiry’s terms of reference has begun. OTJC secretary, Kate Flannery, welcomed the announcement as “really positive news.” She stressed the importance of ensuring the inquiry has the necessary powers to fully investigate all aspects of the orchestrated policing at Orgreave and to have unrestricted access to all relevant information, including government, police, and media documents, photos, and films.
Reactions from Miners and Officials
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) general secretary, Chris Kitchen, described the inquiry as “hugely welcome.” He highlighted the importance of regaining trust and believed the inquiry would help rebuild it. Kevin Horne, a miner arrested at Orgreave, noted that it has been over 41 years since the paramilitary-style police operation took place. He emphasized the need for a quick and thorough inquiry with a tight timescale so that surviving miners can finally obtain the truth and justice they have waited for.
Broader Implications
South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, called the inquiry a “landmark moment for justice and accountability.” He pointed out that the inquiry presents an opportunity to examine not only the actions of South Yorkshire Police and other forces on that day but also the broader role of the government at the time. He added that it is a step towards setting the historical record straight, ensuring lessons are learned, and restoring public trust.
