The victims of Orgreave deserve justice and the truth – despite what the Government thinks

Tomorrow marks a year since the Government’s decision to deny the request of the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign for an inquiry into the events of the 1984 “Battle of Orgreave”. This was a historic betrayal of the cause of justice, making clear that, in the eyes of this Government, justice is not universal, blind and timeless, but partial, political and time-limited.

The full picture of what happened at Orgreave 33 years ago and its aftermath remains unclear, hidden by the passage of time and by a concerted effort to conceal the truth. Yet the violence of the police operation remains as shocking today as it was then. The images of mounted police, batons drawn, charging into the crowd and armoured, shield-wielding police officers beating men lying prone remain seared on the collective memory of coalfield communities.

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Alexander Guest
'Ignore these sexual harassment claims made against MPs at your peril as they could escalate'

Sadly, I have too much experience of abuse scandals.

For the last five years I have been the Member of Parliament for Rotherham.

I know first-hand that if allegations of abuse are ignored and victims belittled or afraid to report, a toxic environment can rapidly escalate.

I have worked with survivors of abuse in Rotherham, Oldham, Rochdale, Oxford. Abuse is always about power. It can flourish when people don’t believe there will be consequences to their actions.

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Alexander Guest
British Steel Pensions - Time to Choose

I know that many of my constituents are members of the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS). As you may know Tata Steel UK last month received approval from The Pensions Regulator to enact a Regulated Apportionment Arrangement (RAA) in respect of the BSPS. As a result of this agreement, the BSPS has now separated from Tata Steel UK. Following this change, members of the BSPS now have the option to transfer into a new scheme or follow the existing scheme into the Pension Protection Fund. This is an important decision and the best option for you may depend on your own circumstances.

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Alexander Guest
Sarah Champion MP comments on protecting the long-term future and funding of supported housing.

I am pleased that the Prime Minister bowed under massive pressure from Labour and announced today that the Government will no longer cap housing benefit for social and supported housing tenants at the local housing allowance rate.

As John Healey MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, said, “the Government has given ground, but the devil will be in the detail – and the funding”.

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Alexander Guest