Review of miners' strike policing issues call for evidence

The Independent Review on the impact of policing on affected communities in Scotland during the 1980s miners' strike has launched a call for evidence.

The then Justice Secretary Michael Matheson set up the review in June (click here for news item), saying he wanted to bring "openness, understanding and a degree of closure" to those affected by the year-long dispute from 1984-85, after the Government of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher announced a colliery closure programme. It was marked by massed and sometimes violent confrontations between picketing miners and police cordons. Campaigners for an inquiry have long alleged that the police were used for political ends by the Government, accusing them of arresting strikers on trivial or trumped-up charges.

Solicitor advocate John Scott QC, who is leading the review, and his advisory panel, comprising Dennis Canavan (former MP and MSP), Jim Murdoch (Professor of Public Law at the University of Glasgow) and Kate Thomson (former assistant chief constable), are looking to gather as much information as possible about the experience of communities. The evidence gathered will help inform the report and any recommendations made by the group to Mr Matheson's successor Humza Yousaf.

Mr Scott commented: "Although the miners' strike took place over 30 years ago, I am aware that strong feelings about it persist in Scotland, especially in mining communities.

"If you were a miner, part of a mining community, a police officer or in some other way affected by, or involved in the strike, please let us know about your experience."

Click here to access the call for evidence. Responses are requested by Friday 30 November 2018.