MPs' concern as police destroy Orgreave files

NORTHUMBRIA Police's decision to dispose of documents relating to the so-called Battle of Orgreave is “deeply worrying”, the Commons Leader has said.

- SOPHIE DOUGHTY

In one of the darkest days of the year-long miners’ strike, riot police clashed with thousands of striking miners at the Orgreave coking plant in South Yorkshire on June 18, 1984.

What became known as the Battle of Orgreave resulted in 95 miners, including four from County Durham, facing serious criminal charges. But their trials collapsed when it became clear police evidence was unreliable with allegations of fabrication and perjury.

Campaigners say some of the thousands of officers drafted in to police the picketing used excessive violence, with mounted officers charging at the miners.

In the run-up to last year’s General Election the Labour Party made a commitment to hold an inquiry into what happened at Orgreave in its manifesto. But now, as miners and their family await answers and justice it has been revealed that Northumbria Police has destroyed all documents relating to Orgreave and the strike just last year.

On Thursday, Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell said anyone involved in the strikes “must retain the records” and come forward with information when asked to, after Blyth and Ashington MP Ian Lavery raised concerns.

Speaking during business questions, Mr Lavery said it was “extremely disturbing news that Northumbria Police has destroyed all documents relating to the miners’ strike, including Orgreave”.