Bills and Laws

Miners' Strike (Pardons) (Scotland) Bill

Overview

The Bill provides a pardon for miners who were convicted of certain offences relating to the 1984-1985 miners’ strike where the conditions of the pardon are met.

The offences are:

breach of the peace
breach of bail conditions – Section 3 of the Bail etc. (Scotland) Act 1980
obstructing police etc. – Section 41(1)(a) of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967

The offence must have been committed while the miner was taking part in a picket line, demonstration or similar gathering in support of the strike - or while travelling to or from a picket line, demonstration or similar gathering.

If the Bill is enacted, a pardon will apply automatically. Miners will not need to apply for a pardon.

Miners’ Strike (Pardons) (Scotland) Bill as introduced (167KB, pdf) posted 27 October 2021

Read the rest of the Bill's overview

The Bill was passed on 16 June 2022 and became an Act on 26 July 2022

About the Bill

Introduced

Read the Bill and information which explains what it does, why it was introduced, and how much it will cost.

Stage 1 - General principles

Committees examine the Bill and gather views. They produce reports before MSPs debate the Bill in the Chamber. MSPs then decide on the purpose (“general principles”) of the Bill.

Stage 2 - Changes to detail

MSPs can propose changes (“amendments”) to the Bill. The amendments are considered and decided on by a committee.

Stage 3 - Final changes and vote

MSPs can propose further “amendments” (changes) to the Bill. MSPs decide on each of these. Finally, they debate and vote on whether to pass the Bill.

Bill becomes an Act

If the Bill is passed, it can receive Royal Assent and become an Act.

Committees involved in this bill

Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee

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Finance and Public Administration Committee

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