South Yorkshire Police 'committed' to supporting Orgreave Inquiry as panel plans to uncover historic documents
The Home Office has revealed that an inquiry into the Battle of Orgreave will be granted statutory powers to publish long-held police documents.
A long-awaited inquiry into the Battle of Orgreave - where thousands of striking miners clashed with police in Rotherham on June 18, 1984 - has finally been launched today (March 26).
It comes after 40 years of campaigning from local groups who have worked tirelessly to understand how the violent events occurred and details of policing tactics at the time.
Until May 22, the independent inquiry panel - chaired by the Bishop of Sheffield Pete Wilcox - will be gathering information from the public, with further work set to collect details from a number of public and private bodies.
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Minister of State for Policing and Crime, Sarah Jones MP, said: “For more than four decades miners, their families and their communities have lived with unanswered questions about what happened at Orgreave. Today we have delivered on our promise to these tireless campaigners to ensure the facts finally come to light.
“The terms of the Inquiry have been shaped by the Chair’s close engagement with campaigners, and they place transparency at the very heart of the panel’s work.
“I am confident that they will bring the independence, expertise and balance needed to uncover the truth of what happened - however difficult that truth may be.”
The Home Office has revealed that the inquiry will focus on disclosing historic materials to build a complete image of the day’s events, plans made in the lead-up and the long-term impact.
Using its statutory powers where necessary, it will have access to relevant records including those held by police, central and local government, trade unions and media organisations.
South Yorkshire Police has said the force will be publishing materials to aid the inquiry panel’s work.
Information on how to take part in the inquiry can be found here.
A spokesperson for the force added: “We are fully committed to supporting the Orgreave Inquiry.
“Before it was announced, we had started working towards publishing materials held by the force relating to Orgreave and the wider miners’ strike, and we hope this work aids the team.”
South Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kilvinder Vigurs, raised concerns about how funding for the inquiry will be provided, but reaffirmed her support for the action.
She continued: “Today is an important moment for our region and for all those who have campaigned tirelessly for the truth.
“Agreeing the terms of reference allows the Inquiry to get underway, giving miners and their families the opportunity they deserve to have their experiences heard and respected.
“The inquiry is about openness and candour to secure the truth and rebuilding trust. While we hope the Government funds the inquiry to avoid it coming at the expense of local resources, we will work closely with national officials and South Yorkshire Police to support the process in full.”