The Shrewsbury Pickets recently learned that the remaining government papers on their case will not be released until 2021. The decision to restrict the publication of the papers was made by the former Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke on the grounds of national security.
In 1972 Ricky Tomlinson, now better known as Jim Royle from The Royle Family, was a plasterer and was involved in organising a national strike of building workers in a bid to end the lump labour scheme. He was one of 24 building workers who picketed building sites in Shrewsbury during the dispute. Demonstrations were heated and accusations of vandalism and intimidation were made. All were prosecuted, and six were imprisoned – including Mr Tomlinson - in what has since become widely considered a politically-motivated prosecution designed to suppress union activity in the construction industry. The government’s refusal to publish its documents on the case adds fuel to the conspiracy theory.
“What they are hiding is a massive Government conspiracy, which shows that Robert Carr (the then home secretary) connived with the police and security forces at the behest of construction companies to make an example of ordinary construction workers,” says Steve Murphy, general secretary of construction union UCATT.
Campaigners are keen to clear the name of the Shrewsbury Pickets while they are still alive. The oldest surviving picket is 84 and the youngest is 64.
More details on the pickets’ story can be seen on the Official Shrewsbury 24 Campaign website.
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