NEW evidence published on the 40th anniversary of Orgreave today has exposed the lies and collusion at the heart of the Thatcher government’s involvement in the 1984-5 miners’ strike.

The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign (OTJC) report was handed into the Home Office and the headquarters of major political parties participating in the general election today to demand an independent public inquiry.

New information recently uncovered, including public statements of police and government actions during the year-long strike and the truth of their private acts, have been laid bare in the report.

It also confirms then prime minister Margaret Thatcher and her government were influencing the miners’ strike and policing, while publicly stating a policy of “non-involvement.”

OTJC said the report shows how successive Conservative governments and senior police covered up the truth.

OTJC secretary Kate Flannery said that Thatcher’s involvement alone is enough for an inquiry into Orgreave to be held.

She said: “There are still many government files held back — some of which are under lock and key until at least 2066. 

“An inquiry should reveal what is in those files and what has been held back for 40 years.”

Kevin Horne, a miner arrested at Orgreave, said: “The police lied in their statements and in court about what they did at Orgreave.

“We want the answers to questions about the lying and violent behaviour of the police. 

“We want to know how police officers were briefed and why they were not held to account by the Director of Public Prosecutions or their own employer.” 

OTJC secured a manifesto commitment from Labour to an “investigation or inquiry” into what happened at Orgreave last week.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Today’s anniversary is a timely reminder of how the power of the state can be abused to attack workers. 

“Unite is repeating its call for an independent inquiry into what happened at Orgreave, who gave the orders that day and the involvement of the highest levels of government — and we welcome the fact that these calls have now been reflected in the Labour manifesto. 

“But we are also warning that anti-union laws like the legislation brought in by this government, alongside further laws preventing peaceful protest, leave open the door for future Orgreave-style abuses of state power. 

“Any incoming government needs to commit to repealing all these draconian laws.”