AN independent review into the impact of policing during the 1980s miners’ strike in Scotland is to be extended due to the amount of evidence put forward, including “powerful and moving” testimony.
It was due to publish its recommendations in June but review leader John Scott QC asked Justice Minister Humza Yousaf for extra time, which has been granted.
The Scottish Government announced the independent review last June. It has received 108 responses to a call for evidence, including submissions from the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Scotland and the Retired Police Officers Association Scotland.
Eight public meetings have been held in former mining communities across the country, attended by a total of 167 people. Scott said in an interim report: “We are extremely grateful to those who attended and shared their experience and views with us.
“We heard powerful and moving testimony from individuals and their families who had been very badly affected by the strike, especially those who were arrested, charged, prosecuted, convicted and sentenced. Some were remanded in custody, especially if they were already on bail for similar allegations connected to the strike. Most were simply fined. Some were acquitted.
“Many lost their jobs, with their employers appearing to take a policy decision to dismiss regardless of the gravity of the allegation or the penalty imposed. Some of these men secured employment elsewhere, sometimes quickly but sometimes only after years. Some, especially because of having to declare their conviction, were unable to find other jobs.
“For some individuals and their families, the lasting damage was obvious. The meetings confirmed that, as a result, strong feelings persist on the subject of the 1984/85 strike and its policing.
“In order to take full account of the evidence we have received, as well as the other material available to us, we decided that it would be necessary to ask for some more time to complete our final report, which was originally due to be submitted in June.”
Yousaf welcomed the report and said: “A final report, setting out lessons learnt and making recommendations for any other action required, will follow at the end of the summer and be made publicly available. It is important we recognise the generous contributions made to the review by those who were affected. I want this review to bring openness, understanding and a degree of closure to all those involved.”
Labour’s Neil Findlay, who campaigned for the review, said the level of submissions was “encouraging” and called for it to consider pardons for those convicted.
The strike took place over Margaret Thatcher’s plans to close a number of pits deemed “inefficient”.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here