UK Home Secretary Announces Public Inquiry into 1984 Orgreave Policing Clash

A new statutory public inquiry has been announced to investigate the events of the 1984 Battle of Orgreave, a violent confrontation between striking miners and police during the UK miners' strike. The inquiry aims to uncover the truth behind the clashes, which resulted in 120 injuries and the arrest of 95 picketers, all of whom were later cleared due to discredited evidence. Miners and campaigners have long sought this investigation, describing the police actions as serious abuses of power that have never been fully acknowledged. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the inquiry’s importance for affected communities and pledged to ensure it has the necessary powers and access to relevant documents and evidence. While the announcement has been welcomed by many, representatives from the South Yorkshire Police Federation have expressed concerns about the inquiry's costs amid current financial strains on the police force. Campaigners and some arrested miners have called for a prompt and thorough investigation to deliver justice before the surviving participants pass away.