Greens pay tribute to dignity and determination of miners
Scottish Greens Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell has this afternoon paid tribute to the “dignity and determination” of miners convicted for matters related to the 1984-1985 miners strike.
Speaking in response to a statement by the Justice Secretary outlining the Scottish Government’s response to the independent review of the impact of policing on affected communities in Scotland during the miners' strike from March 1984 to March 1985, Mr Ruskell welcomed confirmation that Mr Yousaf will accept the recommendation that, “subject to establishing suitable criteria, the Scottish Government should introduce legislation to pardon men convicted for matters related to the Strike.”
Mark Ruskell MSP said:
“The Scottish Greens warmly welcome that a collective pardon will be granted and pay tribute to the dignity and determination of the miners to see justice done.
“It’s important to note that the report states that much of the burden was carried by women in mining communities, often overlooked victims of this injustice.
“It’s also essential that government examines what programmes can be put in place in former mining communities to continue the reconciliation work and educate the next generation about the struggles of the past and their rights today.”