The WSWS spoke with Liz French from Betteshanger, a former pit village in the Kent coalfield in south-east England. Liz was a founding member of the National Women Against Pit Closures during the 1984-85 Miner’s Strike. Among the 200 miners imprisoned during the 1984-85 strike, Liz’s late husband Terry received one of the longest prison sentences of five years.
Scotland editor
A CONSULTATION on plans to pardon miners convicted of offences during the 1984-85 strike in Scotland was warmly welcomed by campaigners today.
An independent review proposed last year that those given convictions during the year-long strike over planned colliery closures, including those who have since died, should be absolved.
The paper, released today, asks for responses on the details of the scheme, including what the qualifying criteria should be for any pardons given.
The review will end on June 4, with the SNP’s Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf also adding pressure to the government to take action across the rest of Britain.