Margaret Thatcher

Eighty-seven per cent of responses supported pardoning them over breach of the peace and 86 per cent over breach of bail convictions.

Miners went on strike in the wake of plans to close pits across the UK. Official papers show that their leader, Arthur Scargill, was right when he said the National Coal Board wanted to shut 70 mines – leading to a loss of 70,000 jobs.

At the time, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher called the striking miners “the enemy within”. Cabinet papers reveal discussions over how to “stiffen the resolve of chief constables” and pressure courts to expedite cases so that miners could see their workmates being punished.

One respondent said: “Breach of the peace was the default charge for bringing miners to court. I was found guilty of breach of the peace for shouting ‘scab’ at a working miner.”

Another said: “Many miners were picked out at random from picket lines and charged with breach of the peace when in fact they had done nothing wrong.”

Last October, John Scott QC’s independent review of the impact of policing on communities during the strike recommended that, subject to establishing suitable criteria, the Scottish government should introduce legislation to pardon those convicted for matters related to the strike. Then Justice Secretary, Humza Yousaf, accepted the recommendations.

Former Lothian Labour MSP Neil Findlay, who campaigned for a pardon, said: “There is clear and overwhelming support for a full pardon for all who were unfairly convicted during the strike.

“I now look forward to the Scottish Parliament passing the necessary legislation at the earliest opportunity.”