Commons petition presented on Policing Orgreave - Oct 31

Policing Orgreave

5.36 pm 

• Sarah Champion (Rotherham) (Lab) 

  I rise to present a petition of the residents of the United Kingdom to request that this House urges the Government to hold a public inquiry into the so-called “battle of Orgreave”. The Government argued a year ago that no lessons could be learned from an inquiry and that, because no one had died, justice could go unserved. But, in the words of the Prime Minister, historical inquiries are not archaeological excavations. They are not purely exercises in truth and reconciliation. They do not just pursue resolution. They are about ensuring justice is done.

   

  The petition states:

   

  The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,

   

  Declares that the events of Orgreave Coking Plant in June 1984 and the aftermath, had a huge and lasting impact upon coal field communities; and further to public suspicion surrounding the actions of the south yorkshire police a deep mistrust in the community remains as a result.

   

  The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to commit to a full public inquiry into policing at Orgreave, and its aftermath to finally authoritatively establish the truth

   

  And the petitioners remain, etc.