Pardons for Scots miners convicted during 1980s strikes

It's thought around 500 miners were convicted in Scotland during the strikes in the 1980s.

Pardons for Scots miners convicted during 1980s strikes Getty Images

Former miners who were convicted during strikes in the 1980s will be pardoned.

The Scottish Government made the announcement on Wednesday following an independent review into arrests the 1984/85 strike.

Around 1400 miners were said to have been arrested, with approximately 500 convicted of breach of the peace and similar offences.

Legislation will be required to overturn the convictions, which justice secretary Humza Yousaf said would be put before parliament to “right a wrong”.

Millions of people protested against pit closures during the industrial dispute with Margaret Thatcher’s government.

Scottish Labour MSP Neil Findlay joined some miners outside Holyrood on Wednesday afternoon.

Scottish miners clash with police during the strikes in the 1980s.STV News

Findlay said: “Many former miners and their families have waited years for this – they have paid a heavy price for their convictions including being blacklisted from employment.

“I want to thank former justice minister Michael Matheson for setting up the independent review into policing during the 1984/85 strike and John Scott QC and the panel for their work.”

STV News is now on WhatsApp

Get all the latest news from around the country

Follow STV News
Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

WhatsApp channel QR Code