MAYOR WELCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO ORGREAVE

Published 21 July 2025 at 2:00pm

 South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard has welcomed the Home Secretary’s announcement of a Public Inquiry into the events that took place at the Orgreave Coking plant 41 years ago today.

 On 18 June 1984, during the Miners' Strike, police and striking miners clashed on the site of the former pit at Orgreave in Rotherham. During these clashes the police arrested miners, who were later cleared in court.

 The police handling of the event has long been in question and the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign have been calling on the government to investigate over many years.

 Mayor Oliver Coppard has backed the Campaign in their quest for an inquiry and has responded to today’s long-awaited announcement.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “What happened at Orgreave remains one of the most controversial episodes in policing history. The violent clashes, the arrest of 95 miners, the collapse of the subsequent trial after revelations about police conduct, and the absence of any investigation or accountability scarred those involved, and people across our entire community.

 “So, the announcement of a Public Inquiry into the events at Orgreave is a landmark moment for justice and accountability. We wouldn’t have got this without the sheer determination of the campaigners and a government and Home Secretary who have listened to the long-held concerns.

 “The Inquiry represents an opportunity to examine not only the actions of South Yorkshire Police and other forces on that day, but also the broader role of government at the time. It’s a step towards setting the historical record straight, ensuring lessons are learned, and restoring public trust.

 “We owe it to the miners, their families, and our communities to ensure that the events of Orgreave are finally understood. My hope is that the Public Inquiry is completed at pace and that at the end of the process it brings closure and a sense of justice for those involved and their families in particular, and that we are finally able to turn the page on the events of that moment in our history.”

 Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kilvinder Vigurs, said: “The announcement of a Public Inquiry into Orgreave is a vital opportunity to continue to rebuild trust in policing in our communities and across the country.

“We must confront the past, ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard and respected. This Inquiry is about truth, accountability, and transparency and I am committed to supporting it every step of the way.”

 “We will work closely with the government to make certain that South Yorkshire Police are able to fully support the Inquiry while ensuring that the costs of dealing with this issue of national significance do not impact on our ability to keep our communities safe.”