THE Scottish Government has confirmed it will pardon former miners who were convicted during strikes in the 1980s.
Ministers updated MSPs on an independent review into convictions for offences during the 1984/85 strike on Wednesday.
The review reportedly proposed that miners who were convicted of breach of the peace and similar offences be given a pardon.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: "I can confirm today that the Scottish Government accepts the recommendation in principle, and we intend on bringing forward legislation that will give a collective pardon to Miners convicted for matters related to the strike."
READ MORE: Hundreds of miners convicted in 80s strikes to be pardoned by Scottish Government
He added that the Government will issue a "collective" pardon that will "right the wrong" for both those who are still living and those who have since passed away.
Millions of people protested against pit closures during the industrial dispute with Margaret Thatcher's government.
Yousaf continued: "The pardon is intended to acknowledge the disproportionate impact arising from miners being prosecuted and convicted during the strike – such as the loss of their job.
"And to recognise the exceptional circumstances that gave rise to the former miners suffering hardship and the loss of their good name through their participation in the strike."
He said ministers will now work to set out the criteria for the pardon scheme, which will be followed by legislation.
Scottish Labour MSP Neil Findlay, who joined miners outside Holyrood this afternoon, said: "Many former miners and their families have waited years for this - they have paid a heavy price for their convictions including being blacklisted from employment.
"I want to thank former justice minister Michael Matheson for setting up the independent review into policing during the 1984/85 strike and John Scott QC and the panel for their work.”
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