A catalogue of state interference in the justice system during the 1984-5 miners’ strike in Scotland has led to demands yesterday for an immediate review into criminal convictions against strikers.

Katy Clark, MP for North Ayrshire and Arran and left contender for deputy leadership of the Labour Party in Scotland, has written to the Scottish government calling for the review into the convictions of miners in Scotland during the strike.

A new report, jointly published by Neil Findlay MSP, Thompsons Solicitors and the public services union PCS details the level of state interference, co-ordination and resources allocated under Thatcher’s government to defeat the strike.

Ms Clark said: “Many of the criminal convictions brought against striking miners during the 1984-5 dispute appear political in nature.

“Recently released evidence suggests that there was specific targeting, arrests and convictions of workers who were trying to protect their and their families’ way of life.

“This report details the background to the strike and provides numerous examples of individual cases where convictions were brought which would not likely have held up in any other situation.

“The report also breaks down the disproportionate punishment that miners in Scotland experienced, with an almost 10 per cent higher conviction rate in Scotland than in England and Wales.”

Her call comes against the background of the campaign for a public inquiry into the notorious “Battle of Orgreave” in South Yorkshire, where police mounted a co-ordinated attack against striking miners, and for an investigation into violent police attacks on mining communities nationwide.