Inquiry into violent confrontation at Orgreave during the miners’ strike to be established

The public inquiry, expected to launch in the autumn, will investigate the events surrounding clashes at the Orgreave Coking Plant in 1984, causing 120 injuries. In total, 95 picketers were arrested and initially charged with riot and violent disorder, but all charges were later dropped after evidence was discredited.

The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, the Bishop of Sheffield, will chair the inquiry.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Every community should have confidence in their police, but we know what happened at Orgreave cast a shadow over communities in Yorkshire and other mining areas.

“The violent scenes and subsequent prosecutions raised concerns that have been left unanswered for decades, and we must now establish what happened.”

The chair of the South Yorkshire Police Federation is concerned that the costs of the inquiry could have a “negative impact” on policing.

Steve Kent said: “Policing across South Yorkshire is at breaking point – courageous colleagues are out there keeping the public safe struggling with what feels like one arm tied behind their backs as Government cutbacks to the service hit home.

“We note that the Home Secretary has announced a public inquiry into operational policing actions of more than 40 years ago in Orgreave.

“This will be long and protracted – and the associated costs of this inquiry will lead to there being even less money in the policing purse, which will only have a negative impact on the public of South Yorkshire.

“Whilst the Federation continues to support serving police officers today – many of whom were not born 41 years ago – we will also be providing support to our retired colleagues during any upcoming proceedings.”

South Yorkshire’s 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.”

Mayor Oliver Coppard added: “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.

“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.”