Last week, Scotland became the first of the home nations to pardon former miners convicted of certain offences related to strike action in the 1980s.
The historic legislation passed by MSPs ensures a collective and automatic pardon for miners involved in strike action which extends to members of a miner’s household and other close family members who may also have been convicted.
Hundreds of miners were arrested during the dispute, with more than 200 sacked as a result.
This meant they lost out on wages, pensions and redundancy payments.
Cumnock politicians had been vocal in their calls for this to be passed.
Upon the release of the outcome, Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Elena Whitham said: “I’m proud to be part of a Parliament that passed the Miners’ Strike (Pardons) (Scotland) Bill.
“Across Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, many communities and families faced hardship due to the heavy handed way in which the UK state acted at the time.
“Deep hurt is still felt today by those communities policed during the Miners’ Strike, with many feeling alienated and wronged but I hope this landmark Bill goes someway to right the wrongs that took place during those times.
“This Bill also sends a signal to the UK Government, that acted so shamefully at the time, that they must follow suit and create a compensation scheme using the £4.4 billion plundered from the Mineworkers Pension Scheme.”
The bill passed unanimously, with support from all 117 MSPs who voted.
Labour MSP Richard Leonard lodged an amendment which would instruct ministers to carry out a review of compensation options and publish a report on the review.
This amendment fell by 24 votes to 92.
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