Orgreave Statutory Inquiry Announced

On July 20, 2025, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed the launch of a statutory public inquiry into the “Battle of Orgreave”—the violent clashes on 18 June 1984 between police and striking coal miners at the Orgreave Coking Plant in South Yorkshire.

It will be modelled on the Hillsborough Inquiry, chaired by Bishop Pete Wilcox of Sheffield, will begin this autumn, and has the power to compel witnesses and access classified evidence.

Around 8,000 miners confronted 6,000 police officers on horseback, using batons and riot shields, resulting in about 120 reported injuries and 95 miners charged – all of which collapsed in court after police statements were discredited.

Accusations include fabricated evidence, a “frame‑up” of miners, and political interference by Thatcher-era officials.

The inquiry is widely seen as a long-awaited step toward restoring trust in policing.

At St Pauls Chambers, we are proud to have a strong and longstanding relationship with the Police Federations, acting for officers across the country in some of the most challenging and high-profile proceedings. Our barristers are instructed in complex inquests, disciplinary hearings, and misconduct tribunals, as well as in serious criminal and public inquiry work. Notably, Sam Green KC represented officers during the Hillsborough Inquests, Nick Worsley KC has represented the interests of officers in criminal and disciplinary proceedings.

Our team’s expertise spans a wide range of matters affecting serving officers — from fatal shooting incidents and deaths in custody to gross misconduct and judicial reviews — always with a focus on protecting professional integrity and ensuring fair process. We offer a depth of advocacy experience and a collaborative approach that continues to earn the trust of the Federation and its members.