A DEMONSTRATION in Wakefield will be held today into the delay by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) on whether it will launch a full inquiry into what happened at Orgreave during the 1984 miners’ strike.
The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign (OTJC) is holding a second demonstration at the IPCC’s office at Pioneer House, Woolpacks Yard, Wakefield WF1 2SG at 1.00pm today.
Protesters will include community activists, and members of Unite. OTJC members are disappointed at the length of time the IPCC is taking to decide whether it will launch a full investigation into the alleged criminal activities of the South Yorkshire Police (SYP) at the Orgreave coking works, near Rotherham, in 1984.
In June 1984, 95 miners were arrested at Orgreave after police officers – many in riot gear, with others on horseback – allegedly assaulted miners striking to save pits, their jobs and their communities.
However, when the subsequent court cases took place, all of the charges were abandoned. Later, SYP paid out £425,000 in compensation to 39 pickets in out-of-court settlements.
Nevertheless, no police officers were disciplined for misconduct or charged for the alleged injuries they caused to those they attacked.
In November 2012, the SYP referred itself to the IPCC to decide whether there should be a full investigation into what happened at Orgreave. The IPCC has had 17 months to conduct its investigation.
Unite regional community coordinator and OTJC chair Joe Rollin said: ‘Sadly, the IPCC appears to have undertaken a very limited amount of work in collecting and collating information on what happened at Orgreave. It is moving at a snail’s pace.
‘The OTJC, therefore, remains concerned that no officers will face charges of assault, perjury, perverting the course of justice and misconduct in a public office.’