Inquiry to uncover truth behind Orgreave clashes

In the United Kingdom, specifically South Yorkshire, a public inquiry is set to commence in the autumn of 2025 to investigate the violent confrontations between police and striking miners that occurred during the miners' strike on June 18, 1984. This event, known as the Battle of Orgreave, left 120 individuals injured and resulted in the arrest of 95 miners, all of whom faced charges that were later dismissed due to discredited evidence surrounding police misconduct. The inquiry is a significant step in addressing long-standing inquiries into the police's actions during these clashes, which have been described as one of the most controversial moments in policing history. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledged the enduring impact of the events at Orgreave, stating they have overshadowed communities throughout Yorkshire and surrounding mining areas. Campaigners, particularly from the Orgreave Truth & Justice Campaign (OTJC), have been instrumental in pushing for this inquiry, demanding answers about the organization of police forces, including the use of mounted police with truncheons, and the destruction of evidence related to the clashes. This inquiry aims to provide substantial answers and has been welcomed by various stakeholders, including the National Union of Mineworkers. The Bishop of Sheffield, Rt Rev Dr Pete Wilcox, will lead the inquiry, and there are positive expectations about its thoroughness and impartiality. The inquiry's creation was influenced by years of campaigning emphasizing the need for transparency regarding the orchestrated policing tactics employed at Orgreave. Advocates insist on comprehensive access to government and police documents relevant to the events in question. The inquiry is seen as a crucial step towards reconciliation and restoring faith between the police and mining communities still grappling with the aftermath of these events 41 years later. This public inquiry marks a potential turning point for justice and accountability surrounding the Orgreave events, aiming not only to uncover the truth but also to begin the healing process in communities affected by the violence and distrust generated during the miners' strike. The goal is to ensure that lessons are learned and that the historical record reflects the realities of what transpired at Orgreave, thereby facilitating a recovery of trust between the police and those they serve.