LOCAL SNP MSPS ENCOURAGE MIDLOTHIAN COMMUNITIES TO GIVE EVIDENCE TO “POLICING DURING MINERS’ STRIKE” REVIEW

Midlothian MSPs Christine Grahame and Colin Beattie have called on people in Midlothian who experienced the miners’ strike from March 1984 to March 1985 to consider giving evidence to the independent review of the impact of policing on mining communities during this time. A call for evidence has been issued by the review following the announcement of its establishment in June by the Scottish Government.
 
The review is led by John Scott QC, assisted by an Advisory Panel, comprising Dennis Canavan (former MP and MSP), Jim Murdoch (Professor of Public Law at the University of Glasgow) and Kate Thomson (former Assistant Chief Constable) with an interim report expected in January 2019 and a final report expected by June 2019. They are seeking to gather as much information as possible about the experience of communities, with the evidence gathered informing the report and any recommendations made to the Scottish Government.
 
Commenting Ms Grahame, MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale said:
 
“The Miners' Strike may have taken place over thirty years ago, but I recall those events and the dreadful sight of police horses charging into striking miners. Representing Midlothian communities I am well aware that strong feelings about it persist in many of these.
 
“This review is a chance for those affected to put on record the impact that policing during this time had on them and I’d encourage anyone who was a miner, part of a mining community, a police officer or in some other way affected by the strike to consider submitting a response.”
 
Mr Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh added:
 
“Mining has been the lifeblood of many Midlothian communities going back decades. Many families will still be living with the memories of the horrific events during the strikes.
 
“We now have a chance to properly analyse what occurred in the period between March 1984 and March 1985. I hope anyone who can recall these events will take the opportunity to submit evidence, no matter how small the detail may be.”
 
The call for evidence can be found at https://consult.gov.scot/justice/policing-during-miners-strike-independent-review/ and responses are requested by Friday 30 November 2018.
 
Further information about the review can be found at: https://beta.gov.scot/groups/independent-review-policing-miners-strike/