Approach

We should fundamentally reform the approach to national inquiries.

These investigations are often too slow, too expensive, and fail to provide tangible benefits. Before any new inquiry is started, we should clearly define its purpose, outline the potential costs and benefits, and set a strict timeline and budget.

This would ensure that taxpayer money is spent wisely and that resources are focused on moving the country forward, rather than dwelling on the past. For this reason, we should stop the Orgreave Inquiry and reallocate those funds. It is not to diminish any wrongs that were done, but the inquiry is unlikely to yield any new information or justice for those affected.

What is the Orgreave Inquiry?

The Orgreave Inquiry was established to investigate the events of June 18, 1984, during the miners' strike, at the Orgreave coking plant in South Yorkshire. It focuses on the violent clashes between striking miners and police, and the subsequent prosecutions that were ultimately dropped. The inquiry goal is to determine the truth of what happened and whether there was any police misconduct.

Current Inquiries

According to parliamentary and government reports, there are currently a number of ongoing statutory public inquiries. The total direct cost for these in 2023-24 was over £130 Million.

For more up-to-date information, you can refer to the UK Parliament's Committees page, which lists current inquiries and their terms.