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.