THE Scottish Government has launched a consultation on the detail of its plans to pardon miners convicted of certain offences during the 1984-85 strike.
An independent review into the impact of policing on communities during the strike, led by John Scott QC, recommended that the Scottish Government should introduce legislation to pardon miners convicted for certain matters related to the strike, subject to establishing suitable criteria.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has now launched a consultation seeking views on the qualifying criteria for a pardon. He said: “I am determined to make swift progress on this matter, given the passage of time since 1984-85.
“The consultation paper sets out potential criteria and asks for views. It is important that we have a rationale for the qualifying criteria which is well-thought-through and informed by a range of views. That is why I encourage anyone with an interest in these important events to take this opportunity to have a say.
“The miners’ strike was one of the most bitter and divisive industrial disputes in living memory and I hope that the independent review, this consultation and the legislation for a pardon will go some way to aid reconciliation and to help heal wounds within Scotland’s mining communities.”
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