Public inquiry into ‘Battle of Orgreave’ begins work

An independent statutory Orgreave Inquiry promised by the Labour Party in its 2024 general election manifesto has formally begun work following publication by the government of its terms of reference.

The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, which has long campaigned for justice for those caught up in the events at the Orgreave coking plant at the height of the miners’ strike, said that while it was disappointed that the Home Office had reached this stage, it was ‘relieved’ that work could now begin.

The Inquiry, announced by the UK Government in July 2025, will investigate events before, during and after Monday 18 June 1984. It has full statutory powers to compel witnesses and require the disclosure of evidence and is expected to report by spring 2028.

The Right Reverend Dr Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield, will chair the Inquiry, supported by a four‑person panel. The Inquiry will operate entirely independent of government and any other public body.

Publication of the terms of reference marks the point at which the Inquiry formally assumes its independence and begins its work.

During violence at the plant during which 120 people were injured, and which subsequently came to be known as the Battle of Orgreave, 95 pickets were arrested and charged with riot and disorder. All charges were later dropped after evidence was discredited.

Inquiry chair Dr Wilcox said:

‘In chairing the Orgreave Inquiry, I wish to help resolve a trauma that persists to this day — for the miners who were injured at Orgreave, who were arrested at Orgreave, who feel their story has not yet been fully told. For their families and communities, and for the relationship between police and the mining community.

‘While policing has changed significantly since 1984, serious questions about the specific events at Orgreave remain unanswered. I approach this responsibility with impartiality, humility, and a firm commitment to transparency. Many who were present at Orgreave have waited most of their lives for a process that listens to them, respects their testimony, and examines the facts without fear or favour. I will follow the evidence without prejudice, wherever it may lead, wholly independent of government, law enforcement, or any other public body.’

Over the next two years, the Inquiry will examine:

• planning by the police and government for the policing of the demonstration at Orgreave on 18 June 1984;

• events on the day itself, their immediate aftermath, and their lasting impact on individuals, communities and the public narrative; and

• charging decisions and prosecutions arising from the arrests made at Orgreave.

The Inquiry will provide a formal update on progress to the Home Secretary by spring 2027.

The Inquiry has also launched a call for evidence, inviting submissions from individuals and organisations with relevant information or experiences. The submission window will close on 22 May 2026, after which the Chair will confirm the next stages of the Inquiry’s work.

Dr Wilcox added:

‘I am acutely aware of the weight of expectation placed on this inquiry. Many people have campaigned for decades for an Orgreave Inquiry. I am grateful for the engagement and co‑operation that has already taken place to reach this point.

‘Although preparatory work has been underway for some months, today marks the formal start of my investigation. We want to hear from as many people as possible about what happened at Orgreave and the impact it has had since. That is why today I launch the Inquiry’s call for evidence, to enable those impacted to tell us their story.’

The members of the Inquiry panel have also been announced.

A central objective of the Inquiry, set out in its Terms of Reference, is the disclosure of contemporaneous historical material. Using its statutory powers, the Inquiry will seek relevant information from policing bodies, central and local government, trade unions, media organisations and other public or private bodies.

The Inquiry will create a publicly accessible digital archive of relevant disclosed material, subject to necessary legal or public interest restrictions.