Wythenshawe’s Labour MP has called for a government apology to a whistleblowing police officer following a decision this week not to go ahead with a public inquiry into policing at the “Battle of Orgreave” during the miners’ strike in 1984.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said there would be no inquiry into the events of June 18 at the Orgreave Coking Plant near Rotherham, and their aftermath. It was alleged that officers had been ordered to fabricate evidence.

Police charged at pickets who had gathered at the plant. Dozens were injured  and 95 miners were arrested with 55 charged with riot, carrying a sentence of life imprisonment. Nearly a year later their trials collapsed when it emerged that many of the police officers  had their statements dictated to them. Continue reading “Wythenshawe MP blasts government over “Battle of Orgreave” inquiry decision” →