Orgreave: Public Inquiry into Policing Debate

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Department: Home Office
Wednesday 20th July 2016

(7 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Amber Rudd Portrait Amber Rudd
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The right hon. Gentleman makes an important point. I made a point earlier about historical cases, which make it feel like there is a series of issues and allegations to be dealt with. I hope that he will take some comfort from the fact that this Government and the previous Home Secretary have a reputation for not shying away from addressing difficult issues. I hope to ensure that we continue to deserve that reputation.

Mike Wood Portrait Mike Wood (Dudley South) (Con)
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My father was a West Midlands policeman in the 1980s and spent some days policing at Orgreave. Clearly, where there is solid evidence of police malpractice, it must be dealt with effectively and with the full force of the law. Does the Home Secretary recognise the concerns of many serving and retired police officers about what they perceive to be a political campaign with a predetermined outcome?

Amber Rudd Portrait Amber Rudd
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My hon. Friend makes an important point, and I will take my time to come to what I feel will be a fair answer after looking at all the information. Nothing has been prejudged. Serious allegations have been made, but I will look at both sides.