Orgreave campaigners upset at police watchdog report decision

But members of the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign are still hopeful a public inquiry will be ordered into the 1984 confrontation, although this may be delayed by the appointment of Home Secretary Theresa May as Prime Minister this week.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission this week refused to publish an full review of allegations of a cover-up by South Yorkshire Police as this could prejudice criminal investigations into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.

A redacted version of the report was released last year.

OTJC secretary Barbara Jackson said she thought the full report may reveal “clear links” between the policing culture at the time of Orgreave and Hillsborough.

The IPCC said: “After consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, the IPCC has determined that it will not publish an unredacted report.

“This is because there may be some material within that report which is relevant to the current Hillsborough investigation.

“Decisions are yet to be made on whether any criminal proceedings are to be brought as a result of those investigations and the IPCC does not want to prejudice that process.”

Campaigners are now waiting to find out if a public inquiry will be ordered, having handed a legal submission making the case for a new probe over the Home Office last December. 

Among those frustrated by the decision was Rotherham MP Sarah Champion, who tweeted: “IPCC won't publish full #Orgreave report, why not?? Surely there’s nothing to hide?”