Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Events at Orgreave

21 July 2025 · Home Office

Proposed by Yvette Cooper Lab Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley

Employment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The government has decided to establish a statutory inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 to investigate events at Orgreave Coking Plant on June 18, 1984.
  • The inquiry will be chaired by Bishop Pete Wilcox and will focus on the violent clashes and injuries that occurred during the miners' strike.
  • The inquiry aims to provide public understanding of how these events transpired.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the establishment of an inquiry into events at Orgreave Coking Plant during the miners' strike in 1984.

Action requested

I am announcing the government's decision to establish a statutory inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005, chaired by Bishop Pete Wilcox, to investigate the violent clashes and injuries caused on June 18, 1984. The inquiry will aim to provide public understanding of how these events transpired.

Key facts

  • The violent scenes at Orgreave Coking Plant took place on June 18, 1984 during the nationwide miners’ strike.
  • 95 picketers were arrested but all charges were later dropped after evidence was discredited.
  • Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox will chair the inquiry.
  • The inquiry is a statutory one under the Inquiries Act 2005.
  • All police forces, NPCC, College of Policing, and government departments have been asked to retain relevant material for the inquiry.
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