Published on: 26/03/2026
The independent statutory Orgreave Inquiry has formally launched today (Thursday 26 March 2026), with its Chair pledging to “establish the truth” about events at Orgreave Coking Plant on 18 June 1984.
The Inquiry, announced by the UK Government in July 2025, will investigate events before, during and after Monday 18 June 1984, a pivotal moment in the 1984–85 miners’ strike. 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.
The launch follows the publication today of the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference, available at www.orgreave.public-inquiry.co.uk, concluding several months of consultation. Their publication marks the point at which the Inquiry formally assumes its independence and begins its work.
On 18 June 1984, violence arose between police and picketing miners at Orgreave Coking Plant in South Yorkshire resulted in 120 injuries. Ninety‑five picketers were arrested and charged with riot and violent disorder, but all charges were later dropped after evidence was discredited.
MY COMMITMENT AS CHAIR
Bishop Wilcox, Chair of the Orgreave Inquiry, 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 also launches its Call for Evidence today, inviting submissions from individuals and organisations with relevant information or experiences. Information on how to take part is available at www.orgreave.public-inquiry.co.uk now. The submission window will close on 22 May 2026, after which the Chair will confirm the next stages of the Inquiry’s work.
Bishop 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 were also announced today. Each brings significant and relevant expertise and will support the Chair in his investigations:
Wendy Williams CBE, a former chief prosecutor in the Crown Prosecution Service and, between 2015-2024, an Inspector in His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, will provide independent insight into police governance, and the decision-making and effectiveness of police forces;
Dr. Angela Sutton-Vane, a historian with extensive experience in evidence-based research, historical accountability and the archiving, preservation of and access to police force records, will provide expertise in the interpretation of historical records, particularly those of the police;
Baroness Bousted, a former senior trade union leader representing teachers, leaders, and support staff and workers will provide relevant knowledge and insight concerning the strategic and operational leadership and management of trades unions; and
Dr. Joanna Gilmore, a senior lecturer of Law at the University of York, whose research interests include public order law, human rights and policing policy, will contribute analysis of the broader societal, legal and political issues arising from the events at Orgreave.
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 is also committed to creating a publicly accessible digital archive of disclosed material, subject to necessary legal or public interest restrictions.