HUNDREDS of Scottish miners convicted during the 1984-5 strike are due to be pardoned after a review found that they were subjected to punishment in a “grossly excessive manner.”

An independent review of policing of the strike in Scotland recommended on Saturday that striking Scottish miners who received criminal convictions should be pardoned.

The review was launched by the Scottish government in 2018 after “unrelenting” pressure from the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and ex-miners, backed by Scottish Labour MSP Neil Findlay.

He said: “It is fantastic news that the review has taken on board my suggestion of a pardon.

“The miners were victims of a political war waged on them by the Thatcher government.

“Many innocent people have gone to their graves with the stain of a conviction against their name. Now we can ensure that those who remain receive justice.”

Mr Findlay said that he is looking forward to legislation being brought forward in Holyrood to deliver the pardons.

Orgreave Truth & Justice Campaign (OTJC) secretary Kate Flannery said: “Today is an emotional and uplifting day. 

“The independent review chaired by John Scott QC and established by the Scottish government has proposed this move, and we send our heartfelt solidarity to all who will benefit from this. It has been a long time coming.”

John Dunn, OTJC activist and striking Derbyshire mineworker, who suffered head injuries at Orgreave, said: “Miners are obviously still angry about the abusive treatment meted out to us by the police and courts during the strike. 

“Many of us were consequently dismissed and blacklisted from getting future work. 

“The impact of this went beyond us miners, it affected our families and communities and had severe financial consequences for us all.”

Kevin Horne, OTJC activist and ex-miner arrested at Orgreave, called on British Home Secretary Priti Patel to declare a full public inquiry into the police riot at Orgreave on June 18 1984. 

He said: “This will allow ex-miners and those from mining communities to have the opportunity to present evidence and seek justice. 

“The Tory government must not delay any longer. We need to know the truth and get justice for all British miners.”

Hilary Cave, former NUM national education officer, said: “This is really wonderful news, even though it has been far too long in coming. Hopefully, it may push along the campaign in England.”

Scottish justice secretary Humza Yousaf said he is considering his response to the report and plans to update Holyrood in October.