Scargill marks 40th anniversary of miners’ strike
Arthur Scargill, the former leader of the National Union of Mineworkers, marked the 40th anniversary of the miners’ strike with a speech at a rally in London today.
The strike, which lasted for a year from 1984 to 1985, was a pivotal moment in British industrial history and saw tens of thousands of miners walk out in protest against pit closures and job losses.
In his speech, Scargill praised the bravery and determination of the miners who took part in the strike, and criticized the government of the time for its handling of the crisis.
“The miners’ strike was a battle for the soul of this country,” Scargill told the crowd. “It was a fight for our livelihoods, our communities, and our way of life. And we stood firm, united in our cause.”
The rally was attended by former miners, trade unionists, and members of the public who came to pay their respects to those who took part in the strike.
As the 40th anniversary of the strike was marked, many reflected on the impact it had on the mining industry and on British society as a whole.