TERMS OF REFERENCE AGREED FOR ORGREAVE INQUIRY

Published 26 March 2026 at 12:06pm

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard has welcomed confirmation that the Home Office has now agreed the Terms of Reference for the Public Inquiry into the events at the Orgreave Coking plant, paving the way for the long awaited investigation to finally progress.
 
On 18 June 1984, during the Miners’ Strike, police and striking miners clashed at the former pit site in Orgreave, Rotherham. Ninety five miners were arrested, all of whom were later cleared when the subsequent trials collapsed in court. For decades, miners, their families, and communities across South Yorkshire have sought answers about what happened that day and the police handling of events.
 
Campaigners from the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign have long fought for an inquiry, supported throughout by Mayor Oliver Coppard. Today’s confirmation that the Inquiry will now begin marks a significant step toward securing long overdue truth and transparency for those affected.
 
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “The agreement of the Terms of Reference for the Orgreave Inquiry marks a crucial milestone on the long road to justice for the miners and their families. For more than 40 years, they have carried the weight of what happened at Orgreave.
 
“The progress that has now been made means we can finally begin to uncover the full truth of what happened that day. I know the leadership of the Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Rev Pete Wilcox, will guarantee the Inquiry is grounded in compassion and fairness as it seeks to provide answers to those whose lives were shaped by the events of 18 June 1984.
 
“We owe it to the miners, to their families, and to our communities to ensure their voices are heard. My hope is that the Inquiry moves at pace and delivers the clarity, accountability, and sense of justice that has been denied for far too long. I am also pressing for it to be fully funded by Government – because the cost of justice should never fall on the people of South Yorkshire alone.”

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kilvinder Vigurs, said: “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.”