For more than 40 years, the miners, families and communities affected by the events at Orgreave have lived with unanswered questions. The government’s announcement of a statutory public inquiry into the events at the Orgreave coking plant is not simply a procedural milestone but a moment of recognition for those who have fought tirelessly to be heard.

Activists from the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, have pushed for an investigation into the violence during the miners’ strike at the Orgreave coking plant since the inception of the organisation in 2012, and, along with the National Union of Mineworkers and other activists and groups, have kept the pressure on various governments to ensure that this day comes.

At JMW, we understand how significant this is. For those involved in public inquiries, truth and accountability are not abstract concepts - they are essential steps toward closure, dignity, and restoring trust in the institutions that failed them. The independent inquiry announcement offers the opportunity for a thorough investigation of the unprecedented nature of what happened that day and represents a welcome step towards justice for the mining communities affected.

What Happened at Orgreave?

On 18th June 1984, thousands of striking miners assembled to picket at Orgreave. What unfolded became one of the most controversial episodes in modern policing. An attempt by South Yorkshire police to break the miners' strike by overwhelming the mass pickets at Orgreave resulted in violent clashes that included mounted charges, baton strikes, and mass arrests that were broadcast across the nation.

The incident became known as the Battle of Orgreave. In the aftermath, 95 miners were charged, but every case ultimately collapsed. For decades, concerns about evidence, excessive force and political interference have persisted. Yet no formal inquiry ever followed. Until now.

A Statutory Inquiry: What it Means for Families and Survivors

The recent announcement of a government-launched Orgreave inquiry could have significant implications for all those affected by the violence at the former Orgreave coking plant. Chaired by the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, the inquiry will have the full powers of the Inquiries Act 2005, including the ability to compel witnesses to give evidence and secure relevant documents. This matters for those directly affected, as it means:

• Their experiences will finally be acknowledged at a national level.
• The police decision-making and aftermath of Orgreave will be independently scrutinised.
• Institutional failures that have been denied or unexamined can be brought into the open.
• There is now a clear, structured route for families to participate and be heard.

The inquiry will use appropriate powers to gather evidence from key stakeholders, and surviving miners, police or others who were affected may be involved as core participants or may apply to be involved.

As with all public inquiries, meaningful participation is essential. Without these voices, the inquiry risks becoming a historical exercise rather than a vehicle for change. Previous Inquiries (such as the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and the Infected Blood Inquiry) have shown that justice can be achieved for victims when the voices of those affected are heard. It is hoped that many who were involved or affected by the incident will lend their perspectives to the inquiry.

Why the Public Inquiry Announcement Matters and Why Representation Is Crucial

The Orgreave Inquiry offers an opportunity to explore not only the events themselves, but also the underlying reasons and, crucially, the changes needed to prevent similar failures in the future. Whilst these matters are rooted in history, without thorough scrutiny and accountability, there is a risk they will recur. Policing today is markedly different from the 1980s, yet important lessons remain unaddressed, making a public inquiry both relevant and necessary. This process could shed light on the factors behind the widespread collapsed arrests at Orgreave and clarify the conditions under which police powers may be exercised—benefiting both the public and the Police.

For anyone engaging with the process, specialist legal support is vital. Families and survivors deserve representation that is not only legally robust but supportive, transparent, and deeply committed to safeguarding their interests throughout what can be an emotionally difficult journey. JMW understands how overwhelming the process can feel, but we can offer specialist legal support to all those who were affected by the violent disorder at Orgreave.

The role of our public inquiries solicitors is to:

• Support clients in preparing detailed accounts and evidence
• Represent their interests in procedural hearings
• Challenge institutions where necessary
• Ensure the inquiry prioritises truth, transparency and accountability
• Make sure every client feels seen, heard and protected

This work is not simply about legal process, but about empowering individuals and families who have often been marginalised within the very systems meant to protect them.

What Should the Terms of the National Inquiry Be?

Whilst the announcement is hugely significant, several important questions remain about the inquiry's terms. We believe that to gain the wider mining community's confidence, the inquiry needs to answer the following questions:

Scope

How far will the inquiry look into the political and policing context? We believe it must examine planning, decision-making and systemic, cultural and class issues.

Disclosure

Will all records be made available? Full transparency is fundamental, and the outcome of the inquiry will demand an honest reckoning with the facts.

Timeliness

When will it conclude? After four decades, this inquiry must proceed efficiently, without compromising care, thoroughness or accessibility.

Funding and Participation

How will core participants be able to participate? Victims and families must not be disadvantaged by cost. Proper funding and coordinated legal representation are essential to ensure their engagement is meaningful.

These challenges are not obstacles, but opportunities to make the inquiry stronger, fairer and more responsive to the needs of those at its heart.

A Chance for Real Change

At JMW, we believe that public inquiries should do more than look backwards; they should help create safer, more accountable systems for the future. The Orgreave Inquiry has the potential to:

●      Increase and restore any lost trust in policing

●      Improve oversight and governance

●      Strengthen protections for those involved in protests

●      Reinforce the importance of truth and accuracy in evidence-gathering

●      Provide long-overdue recognition to those who suffered harm

Standing With Those Affected

Every client who approaches us brings not just a legal issue but a human story that needs respect, care and expert guidance. If you or a loved one were affected by the events at Orgreave and would like to understand your rights, your options or how to take part in the inquiry, JMW is here to help. Our expert public inquiries solicitors have represented core participants in a range of high-profile public inquiries and made sure their perspectives were considered.

We are committed to listening to, supporting and advocating for those affected by the Orgreave inquiry, and we will do everything possible to ensure that your voice shapes the inquiry’s work. After 40 years of silence, the moment for truth has arrived.