UPDATE: A Home Office minister has urgently stated that police records related to the notorious “Battle of Orgreave” must not go missing or be destroyed. Lord Hanson of Flint’s remarks come after Northumbria Police confirmed it disposed of two boxes of documents in April 2024, prompting calls for accountability and an immediate investigation.
Developing news: The destruction of these records is particularly alarming as the inquiry into the events surrounding the June 18, 1984, confrontation is set to launch this autumn. This inquiry, led by the Bishop of Sheffield, Rt Rev Dr Peter Wilcox, seeks to uncover the truth behind the violent clashes that left 120 people injured and resulted in the arrest of 95 picketers, all of whom had their charges dropped due to discredited evidence.
In a session in the House of Lords, Lord Hanson emphasized the critical importance of retaining police records for the inquiry. He stated, “If papers are available, then they should be available to the inquiry and should not be going missing or being destroyed.” His comments highlight the growing public frustration regarding police handling of historical records, particularly given the ongoing scrutiny of policing practices since the Hillsborough disaster.
Earlier this year, Blyth and Ashington MP Ian Lavery expressed his deep concern over the destruction of these documents, labeling it “extremely disturbing news.” Northumbria Police, in their defense, stated that the documents were disposed of following a formal review aligned with their policies and the Data Protection Act 2018.
As this situation unfolds, the inquiry is expected to have statutory powers, allowing it to compel individuals to provide evidence. Campaigners have long demanded accountability for police tactics used during the miners’ strike, accusing law enforcement of assaulting and falsely arresting striking miners.
Lord Hanson also referenced a new code of practice on record-keeping introduced by the College of Policing in 2023, aimed at preventing similar issues in the future. The government has committed to ensuring that the truth behind the events at Orgreave is fully disclosed, aligning with promises made in the Labour administration’s election manifesto.
As investigations continue, the public remains on edge, eager for clarity and justice regarding one of the most violent confrontations in recent British history. More updates are expected as the inquiry progresses and the implications of the destroyed records come to light.
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