Labour supports the demand for Orgreave justice - Diane Abbott

Diane Abbott, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, speaking ahead of today’s protest outside the Home Office, said:

“Labour fully supports the demand for justice for the striking miners at Orgreave and their families. The truth must be told. But the Tories are refusing to hold a proper Inquiry. 

“Labour has consistently argued you can’t understand what happened at Hillsborough unless you get to the bottom of Orgreave. It was the same force, the same leadership and very similar methods in the aftermath.

“The Government is stonewalling despite previously indicating that a full Inquiry was on offer. Many campaigners believe this is because political direction was involved, that the Thatcher Government used the police to crush the miners. We support the campaigners in their continuing demand for justice.”

Ends

Notes to editors

• ·         The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign is holding a protest today outside the Home Office to highlight their demand for an Inquiry https://otjc.org.uk/make-some-noise-for-orgreave/   
• ·         Theresa May previously indicated that she would agree a full Inquiry https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/dec/15/theresa-may-to-heed-campaigners-call-for-inquiry-into-battle-of-orgreave