Unite, the UK’s leading union, has welcomed the government’s announcement that it will hold a full public inquiry into the events at the Orgreave coking plant in Yorkshire in June 1984 and the subsequent actions of the police in attacking striking miners.

The campaign for a public inquiry has been led by the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign. The public inquiry will be chaired by the Bishop of Sheffield and is the first step in overturning a 40-year miscarriage of justice, against working people.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The events at Orgreave were absolutely horrific and the creation of the public inquiry is the first step in ensuring the full truth can finally be revealed. 

The role of Unite members, branches and regions in supporting the campaign for justice for Orgreave has been vital in securing the public inquiry.”

“The public inquiry must ensure it gets the answers and uncovers the truth of who was behind the attack on striking miners at Orgreave."

Unite have been heavily involved in the campaign for a public inquiry. Union branches, regions and members have supported the Orgreave campaign financially as well as attending marches and demonstrations. Many former miners subsequentially joined Unite and become heavily involved in the union.

Unite senior organiser Joe Rollin, who is a leading member of the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign said: “This is an important step in the campaign for justice for all those affected by Orgreave and the campaign will continue to ensure that the government and the inquiry delivers on everything that has been promised.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:
 
For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.
 
Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org
 
Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Instagram: unitetheunion Web: unitetheunion.org
 
Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham