June 1984, Miners Strike, days before Orgreave
Ian MacGregor, Chair of the National Coal Board writes to all miners
"Your leaders have told you that the Coal Board is out to butcher the industry. That we plan to do away with 70,000 jobs, to close 86 pits"
Ian MacGregor, Chair of the National Coal Board writes to all miners
"Your leaders have told you that the Coal Board is out to butcher the industry. That we plan to do away with 70,000 jobs, to close 86 pits"
"If these things were true I would not blame miners for getting angry or for being deeply worried. BUT THESE THINGS ARE ABSOLUTELY UNTRUE. I STATE THAT CATEGORICALLY AND SOLEMNLY. YOU HAVE BEEN MISLED"
"I would like you to consider carefully, so we can get away from the tragic violence and pressures of mass pickets, whether this strike is really in your interest".
A few days later riot police were used for the first time in a UK industrial dispute.
6000 police with dogs and horses carried out a planned attack on the Orgreave picket. Not only was there "tragic violence" but 95 pickets were framed for serious offences they never committed
6000 police with dogs and horses carried out a planned attack on the Orgreave picket. Not only was there "tragic violence" but 95 pickets were framed for serious offences they never committed
No police or politicians have ever been held accountable for planning, ordering or carrying out the violent attack on striking miners at Orgreave on 18 June 1984.
That's why we call for an inquiry and demand justice.
That's why we call for an inquiry and demand justice.
It's why we rally at Orgreave every year around 18th June. This year our rally is online on Saturday 20th June at 1pm. facebook.com/events/2561993…
Join us to demand #orgreavejustice
Join us to demand #orgreavejustice
Nick Jones, a former BBC industrial correspondent during the strike shows that Thatcher redrafted and personally approved the letter signed by MacGregor, sent to miners days before Orgreave
otjc.org.uk/thathers-secre…
#MinersStrike #Orgreave
otjc.org.uk/thathers-secre…
#MinersStrike #Orgreave
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