Labour promise full inquiry into Battle of Orgreave

Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said the thousands of police officers and miners involved in violent clashes at the former coke plant “deserve justice”.

Last October, home secretary Amber Rudd ruled out any investigation into the confrontation in 1984.

But Ms Abbott, speaking at the conference in Brighton, said: “We finally had an inquiry into the Hillsborough tragedy thanks to the tireless campaigning of the people of Liverpool, with the support of my colleagues Andy Burnham and Steve Rotherham.

“As Labour home secretary, I promise a full inquiry into Orgreave.”

Ms Rudd said changes in policing since the incident meant there would be very few lessons to be learned.

A public inquiry was in the Labour Party manifesto for this year’s General Election.

Heavy-handed policing was blamed by miners, although police claimed they were defending themselves during the clash on June 17, 1984.

A total of 95 miners were arrested at Orgreave but their trials collapsed.

Despite claims of pickets being assaulted and compensation being paid to many, no police officer was ever disciplined.

Members of the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign will hold a “#Deathofjustice” rally on Tuesday, October 31, to mark a year since Ms Rudd ruled out an inquiry.

They will meet at Devonshire Green from 5.30pm and march to Sheffield Crown Court.