Review call over miner convictions

Dec 9 2012

Two politicians have called for an investigation into the convictions of almost 500 miners during the 1980s strikes.

Neil Findlay, Labour MSP for the Lothians, and Midlothian Labour MP David Hamilton have written to Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill calling for a review.

The pair have argued that a new investigation could uncover evidence similar to that of an inquiry into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which alleged there may have been a police cover-up.

Mr Hamilton, a former miner, spent two months behind bars during the 1984/85 strike before being cleared.

He said: "We should remember these were decent men who had never been in courts before.

"My own experience is bittersweet. I was arrested on numerous occasions for being present on the picket lines, and I stress no violence was involved.

"After 28 years, wouldn't it be the decent thing to do, to acknowledge the role that the police and courts played as a willing instrument of a Tory Government hell-bent on destroying our communities."

Mr Findlay said: "From the evidence we have seen over Orgreave and Hillsborough, there is a duty on the Scottish Government and police to look again at the cases.

"I've had people coming to me raising concerns about the legitimacy of convictions against them or their relatives."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We will consider any correspondence and respond in due course."