Call For Inquiry Into 1984 Miners Arrests

Two Labour politicians have called for an independent review into the convictions of 500 men during the miners’ strike in 1984.

Labour MSP Neil Findlay and MP David Hamilton have urged Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to launch the review.

It has emerged some police statements in England given during the time of the strike may have been manipulated.

Mr Findlay and Mr Hamilton have argued the investigation could have a similar effect to the inquiry into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. Evidence uncovered found that there may have been a police cover up at the time.

Last month saw nine MPs at Westminster sign a Commons Early Day motion calling on the DPP to hold an inquiry into the 1984 miners' strike.

Midlothian Labour MP Mr Hamilton is a former miner. He spent two months in jail during the strike before being cleared.

He said: "We should remember these were decent men who had never been in courts before.

"My own experience is bittersweet. I was arrested on numerous occasions for being present on the picket lines, and I stress no violence was involved.

"After 28 years, wouldn't it be the decent thing to do, to acknowledge the role that the police and courts played as a willing instrument of a Tory Government hell-bent on destroying our communities."

(IT)