LOCAL leaders have backed the government’s pre-election pledge to ‘uncover the truth’ about what happened at Orgreave.
The so-called ‘Battle of Orgreave’, as it is often referred to, began when thousands of miners who were striking against pit closures surrounded the plant on June 18, 1984 to try to stop lorries carrying coal into the site.
They were met by about 6,000 police officers, some on horses and some with riot shields.
More than 100 people were injured after mounted police officers retaliated with force, although miners were arrested and charged with riot and unlawful assembly.
However, their trials collapsed amid claims of police misconduct and perjury by officers.
The Labour Party’s manifesto during the 2024 general election committed to ‘ensure, through an investigation or inquiry, that the truth about the events at Orgreave comes to light’.
Local MPs such as Dan Jarvis and Stephanie Peacock have backed Rotherham MP Sarah Champion and her letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to finally give a conclusion.
Dan, who represents Barnsley North, said: “Barnsley, like other coalfield communities, deserves to know the truth about what happened at Orgreave.
“Events that day had big repercussions for families and communities, yet decades later there are still many unanswered questions.
“That is why Labour wants to ensure the truth about Orgreave is finally made public.”
Whilst civil proceedings against South Yorkshire Police led to compensation payments for some of the miners, and the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) published a partial report on Orgreave in 2015, there has never been a full investigation or inquiry into what happened that day, and countless questions remain unanswered.
Ms Champion’s letter said: “The previous Conservative government betrayed campaigners.
“I held meetings with the then-Home Secretary Teresa May and Orgreave Truth and Justice Committee.
“May committed to an inquiry, only to U-turn at the last minute when she became Prime Minister and declined to do so.
“The process of rebuilding of South Yorkshire Police cannot be truly completed whilst the spectre of Orgreave continues to loom over community interaction.
“The people of South Yorkshire deserve to know the truth about their police force.
“Only then can we begin to trust and move on.”
Arthur Scargill, president of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), identified Orgreave’s coking plant - which supplied fuel for steel furnaces - as a key target for picketing.
He believed if striking miners could prevent lorries carrying coke from South Yorkshire plants, the steelworks would have to shut down and the government would be forced to negotiate an end to its dispute with the NUM.
Stephanie, who represents Barnsley South, added: “This year we mark 40 years since miners were shamefully branded ‘the enemy within’ and since the appalling events that took place in 1984.
“Too many across Barnsley have waited too long for justice for what happened to them at Orgreave.
“I have spoken to those that were there that day, and called for action in Parliament on this issue a number of times.
“That is why I welcome the Labour manifesto which commits to an investigation or inquiry, so that the truth about the events at Orgreave comes to light.”
