Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley, has welcomed the landmark decision to launch a statutory inquiry into the events at Orgreave, calling it historic moment for the people of South Yorkshire.

Last week the Labour Government confirmed it will launch a statutory inquiry into the violent confrontation between police and picketers at Orgreave 41 years ago.

The inquiry, confirmed by the Home Secretary, will be chaired by the Bishop of Sheffield, The Rt. Reverand Dr. Pete Wilcox, this announcement, delivers on Labour’s manifesto pledge to uncover the truth about what happened at Orgreave.

It is expected to launch in the Autumn and will investigate the events leading up to clashes at the Orgreave Coking Plant in 1984 during which there were 120 injuries and 95 people were arrested and initially charged with riot and violent disorder. All charges were later dropped after evidence was discredited.

Louise Haigh MP has long campaigned alongside former mineworkers, their families and other campaigners to get an inquiry established to help uncover the truth about what happened at Orgreave has strongly welcomed the government’s announcement.

Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley, said:

“This is an historic moment for the people of South Yorkshire and for all those who have spent decades fighting for justice.

“The events at Orgreave left a deep and damaging legacy that continues to shape how communities experience policing to this day. Families, former miners and campaigners have fought tirelessly for the truth, and today, their voices have finally been heard.

“For years, the Conservatives refused to take action— ignoring campaigners and turning their backs on working people. It has taken a Labour Government to finally deliver the inquiry that victims and their families have long deserved.”