A FULL public inquiry into the events which took place at Orgreave in 1984 has finally been launched much to the delight of Barnsley’s former miners.
The so-called ‘Battle of Orgreave’, as it is often referred to, began when thousands of miners who were striking against pit closures surrounded the plant on June 18, 1984 to try to stop lorries carrying coal into the site.
They were met by about 6,000 police officers, some on horses and some with riot shields.
More than 100 people were injured after mounted police officers retaliated with force, although miners were arrested and charged with riot and unlawful assembly.
However, their trials collapsed amid claims of police misconduct and perjury by officers.
Both Barnsley North MP Dan Jarvis and Barnsley South MP Stephanie Peacock have backed calls for an investigation into Orgreave and it was officially launched last Thursday.
Stephanie told the Chronicle: “I know that there are families across Barnsley who are still waiting for justice for what happened on that day.
“Though the wait has been far too long, I am proud that it is Labour that’s taking the steps that coalfield communities like Barnsley need, and I know that this long-awaited investigation will be welcome news for miners across the country.”
Bishop of Sheffield the Rt Rev Dr Pete Wilcox will chair the inquiry and said he wanted to ‘help resolve a trauma that persists to this day’.
The inquiry has full statutory powers to compel witnesses and require the disclosure of evidence and will operate entirely independent of government and any other public body.
The chair will be supported by a four-person panel which is expected to report by spring 2028.
Chris Kitchen, general secretary of National Union of Mineworkers, which is based on Huddersfield Road, said: “The NUM welcomes the government’s announcement today launching the inquiry into the battle of Orgreave, delivering on a long-standing manifesto commitment.
“We have full confidence that the chair, and the panel members, have the knowledge required to get to the truth about what happened, why it happened, who orchestrated the events at Orgreave and why no one was held accountable.
“The NUM are fully committed to assisting the inquiry in its work.
“Our hope is that once the truth has been brought to light, those directly and indirectly affected can finally start to move on.”
The inquiry will also establish a publicly accessible digital archive of disclosed material. This approach reflects the strong views of campaigners that transparency must sit at the heart of the inquiry.
Rt Rev Wilcox added: “I am very pleased the Orgreave inquiry, announced by the UK government in July 2025, is now live.
“In reaching this point, the government has approved the terms of reference and confirmed the panel to support me as chair, and I am fully satisfied with both.
“These foundations allow us to begin the inquiry’s work with confidence, and engagement with stakeholders will begin immediately.
“I am acutely aware of the weight of expectation placed on this inquiry.
“It is my ambition, with the panel, to deliver an outstanding inquiry as swiftly as thoroughness will allow.
“The inquiry was a government manifesto commitment to ensure the truth about the events at Orgreave comes to light.”
THE scenes at Orgreave have been described as being akin to a ‘medieval battleground’ by a former miner who backed the announcement that a full inquiry will commence.
Johnny Wood, who worked at Grimethorpe Colliery, attended the South Yorkshire village on June 18, 1984 alongside thousands of others on the picket line.
He told the Chronicle: “It was a red-hot day and miners were having a few games of football while the police were in full riot gear.
“The brutality thereafter was frightening some people were seriously injured.
“Those involved with the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign have done so much good work to get to this stage.
“Orgreave was different to other picket lines and the inquiry needed to happen as there are so many unanswered questions as to what the police did.”
