A PUBLIC inquiry into the events which took place at Orgreave 42 years ago has already made ‘significant progress’ - with more than 2,000 pieces of evidence submitted as part of the investigation.
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.
Since formally beginning work in March, the inquiry has already launched its initial call for evidence, receiving more than 100 responses from individuals and organisations sharing their experiences and information and gathering nearly 2,500 pieces of documentary evidence.
Chair of the inquiry, the Right Reverend Dr Pete Wilcox, said: “As we reflect on the 42nd anniversary, the inquiry is progressing its work with care and determination.
“We have begun gathering and reviewing evidence and engaging with individuals and communities who wish to contribute.
“I am sincerely grateful to the people who have responded to our call for evidence to date, often sharing difficult and deeply personal experiences.
“The inquiry continues to welcome further submissions to the call for evidence and I encourage anyone who has relevant information to come forward.
“I recognise that coming forward may feel difficult and for some it may take time.
“But if you hold any information at all - whether documents kept over many years, items stored away, or your own memories - please know it matters.
“Each contribution, no matter how small it may seem, helps us move towards a fuller understanding.
“Every voice is valued, and every voice has a place in this inquiry.
“While there is much still to do, our work is steadily taking shape.
“On this anniversary, I want to acknowledge all those affected and reaffirm our commitment to carrying out this Inquiry with integrity, openness and care.
“We are committed to approaching this work in a way that is thorough, fair and independent, with a clear focus on establishing an authoritative account based on all available evidence.
“We are very mindful of the responsibility we carry, and of the need to proceed with sensitivity and respect at every stage.”
By the spring of 2028, the inquiry will have examined the police’s planning for Orgreave, the day’s events and the aftermath, and the charges and prosecutions arising from the day.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who will receive an update from the inquiry’s leaders next spring, added: Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Every community should have confidence in their police but we know what happened at Orgreave cast a shadow over communities in Yorkshire and other mining areas.
“The violent scenes and subsequent prosecutions raised concerns that have been left unanswered for decades and we must now establish what happened.
“I pay tribute to the campaigners who never stopped in their search for truth and justice and I look forward to continuing to work with them as we build an inquiry that gets the answers they and their communities deserve.”
