WORCESTER'S leading trade union body has criticised the Government over its refusal to stage an inquiry into the 1980s Orgreave fallout.

Worcester Trades Union Council has called the stance of Home Secretary Amber Rudd "shameful" after she rejected calls for a fresh probe.

Back in 1984 during the miners' strike police got into fights with workers at the Orgreave coking plant in south Yorkshire in scenes which shocked the nation.

In what became known as the Battle of Orgreave, 6,000 police officers from around the country - including many from Worcestershire wearing riot gear - were deployed to deal with mass picketing by striking miners hoping to prevent the movement of coke stocks.

But Mrs Rudd ruled out an inquiry in parliament this week, telling MPs she feels there is very little to learn from it.

Former Worcester parliamentary candidate Peter McNally, who chairs Worcester Trades Union Council, said: "It is shameful that as yet, no-one has had to answer for the events of that day - this decision is a bad day for justice.

"We salute the decision of the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign to continue with its fight for transparency and a full public inquiry.

"Worcester Trades Union Council will be doing everything it can to help them."

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said last year that there was "evidence of excessive violence by police officers" and a "false narrative" from senior coppers which was used to prosecute many workers involved.

Almost 100 people were arrested and charged with riot offences, but all were later acquitted amid claims South Yorkshire Police had fabricated evidence.

Some striking miners were beaten unconscious on picket lines.

Mrs Rudd said she made the "difficult decision", supported by Prime Minister Theresa May, because "ultimately there were no deaths or wrongful convictions" resulting from the battles.

Mr McNally stood in Worcester at last year's general election.

Yesterday, he also said that one of the Orgreave campaign's founder members Granville Williams will be speaking at The Hive in Worcester on Saturday, November 19.