Shrewsbury 24 debate takes place in House of Commons
A debate took place in the House of Commons today on the Shrewsbury 24 campaign which is demanding that the government releases papers related to the 1972 building workers strike.
In 1973 Ricky Tomlinson, Des Warren and John McKinsie Jones were sent to prison on conspiracy charges arising from the strike. 21 other building workers were also tried at Shrewsbury Crown Court. They became known as the Shrewsbury 24.
The debate which was secured by Dave Anderson MP, saw MPs vote in favour of urging the government to release papers.
Campaigners say the men have been victims of a miscarriage of justice and the convictions against them should be quashed.
The documents are being withheld under Section 23 of the Freedom of Information Act, the section relating to national security.
Speaking before the debate, Ricky Tomlinson, actor and former T&G member, who was sentenced to two years in jail said: “It feels like the Tories are waiting for us to die before they reveal the truth. Unless there is action now the ban on releasing these papers won’t be reviewed until 2021. Four of my comrades have already passed away and the eldest of the remaining 20 pickets is 86.
“The prison sentences and fines we received for picketing completely wrecked our lives. Many of my comrades were blacklisted and never worked again. Today we are urging MPs to please support our campaign and shine a light on the truth that has been hidden away for these long years.”
