THE LEADER of Plaid Cymru Leanne Wood has called for an inquiry into police action during the miners’ strike of the 1980s.

In a speech given at Westminster, she said: “The use of the forces of the state against those striking miners is an issue of controversy to this day.”

She adds that “in her own community in the Rhondda and across the old coalfields people still feel the hurt and still live with the consequences now of the 1984/85 Miners’ Strike; and for communities to heal, past injustices must be addressed.”

While Labour has called for an investigation into police conduct after the so-called ‘Battle of Orgreave’ during the strike, she says: “We know that much has been focused on the Battle of Orgreave in particular but there are serious, unanswered questions about the use of force more generally across all areas where strikes took place.

“Plaid Cymru believes it is time now for an inquiry into the use of force on the part of the state against striking miners during the strike of 1984-85.

“We live in a period now where historic instances of wrong-doing – especially where there may be state complicity – are being addressed in the pursuit of justice.

“Whether it be the Hillsborough Disaster or historic sex crimes, there is rightfully a feeling that no matter how long ago an injustice occurred, justice must be perused and the truth must be found.

“I believe the actions of the state during the miners’ strike merit such action.