MSPs to vote on pardons and compensation for Scottish miners convicted during 1980s strike.
A bill going through the Scottish Parliament would wipe their convictions.
Last updated 16th Jun 2022
MSPs are being urged to "do right by wronged workers" and back Labour's amendments to the Miners' Strike Pardon Bill to enable compensation to be paid to those with convictions during the bitter strike between 1894-85.
Holyrood is set to vote on stage three amendments to the bill which would wipe the convictions of those found guilty of breach of the peace, obstruction of the police, or a breach of bail conditions.
The strike arose as workers took action to prevent colliery closures by Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Government.
Scottish Labour said the proposed changes would "strengthen and expand" the Bill and deliver financial compensation.
Miners still bear the scars
East Ayrshire Councillor Jim McMahon was arrested on the picket line at Hunterston in 1984 - where coal was imported into Scotland and transferred into fleets of lorries - and told Tay FM News there were lasting consequences.
"The incidents are as clear in my mind now as they were in 1984-5”, he says.
“Miners lost their jobs. They lost their pension rights. They were limited in the type of job applications they could make because they were carrying a conviction. There should be compensation for them."
"They MSPs need to consider and reflect what's happened in Scotland and take that south of the border to our colleagues that still carry the same scars as I do. It should be the first step for them and they should be pursuing it, too."
"I was brought up to respect the police, but I lost that then and it took a hell of a long time for me to get back to anywhere near trusting the police.
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Demands for compensation
One amendment from former Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard looks to turn the legislation into "real justice" by requiring ministers to carry out a review into how to compensate those receiving a pardon.
A series of amendments from Pam Duncan-Glancy would additionally extend the pardon to family members and supporters of those affected, in a bid to "send a clear message that standing in solidarity with striking workers should not cost anyone their livelihoods".
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"Pardon is overdue"
Mr Leonard said: "The SNP and the Greens have a chance to do right by wronged workers and back Labour's amendments.
"This landmark pardon is long overdue - it is welcome, but we need real justice as well, which goes beyond mere symbolism.
"The SNP must ensure the Bill covers all those who put their livelihoods on the line and provide financial redress for those who suffered hardship: particularly the 500 convicted miners and the 206 sacked miners.
"A striking miner was twice as likely to be convicted in Scotland and three times as likely to be sacked. That grave injustice must be addressed."