UNION leaders welcomed today’s publication of a Scottish Parliament Bill that would pave the way for many miners wrongly convicted of offences during the 1984-5 strike to receive pardons. 

Ministers unveiled the Miners Strike (Pardons) (Scotland) Bill following recommendations from a review undertaken by John Scott QC and a campaign by trade unions and politicians, including Labour MSP Neil Findlay. 

Under the legislation, those convicted of breach of the peace, breach of bail conditions or obstructing police would be pardoned.