Miners' strike 1984 to 1985 pardon: consultation

Introduction

Purpose of the consultation

In October 2020, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice announced that the Scottish Government accepted in principle the recommendation made by an independent review panel^[1], that subject to establishing suitable criteria, the Scottish Government should introduce legislation to pardon miners convicted for matters related to the strike.^[2] The Cabinet Secretary also undertook to consult widely on what the criteria should be.

This consultation therefore welcomes views on the qualifying criteria for a pardon in respect of convictions relating to the miners' strike of 1984/85.

The consultation sets out some criteria for consideration - some were suggested by the independent review group and others are offered by the Scottish Government, though not necessarily endorsed by the Scottish Government. The consultation also asks whether any other criteria should be added.

Why we are consulting

The Scottish Government envisages that an automatic and collective pardon will apply where the qualifying criteria are met. That is why it is important that careful consideration is given to the qualifying criteria, and why we are consulting on this.

Legislation will be required to give effect to the pardon. Responses to this consultation will help to shape the qualifying criteria which will be an important part of the future legislation.