TUC condemns decision to drop Orgreave probe

date: Friday 12 June 2015

The TUC has today (Friday) condemned the decision by the Independent Police Complaints Commission to drop an investigation into policing of picket lines at the Orgreave Coking Plant in 1984.

Almost 100 miners were arrested and charged with riot offences but were later acquitted amid claims that South Yorkshire fabricated evidence. There were also widespread allegations of protestors being beaten unconscious by police officers.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “This decision is a hammer blow for the Orgreave families who have fought for over 30 years to get justice. They have displayed huge courage and tenacity in trying to hold the authorities to account.

“It is shameful that no-one will have to answer for the events of that day, which left dozens injured and many locked up for simply exercising their right to protest.

“There should be a full public inquiry into what happened at Orgreave. This is a bad day for all those who care about civil liberties.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:
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Contacts:
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Alex Rossiter  T: 020 7467 1285  M: 07887 572130  E: arossiter@tuc.org.uk
Tim Nichols  T: 020 7467 1337  M: 07876 452902  E: tnichols@tuc.org.uk
Clare Santry  T: 020 7467 1372  M: 07717 531150  E: csantry@tuc.org.uk
Kay Atwal  T: 020 7467 1385  M: 07941 547469  E: katwal@tuc.org.uk