GMB backs MP calls for answers over jailed Cammell Laird strikers' miscarriage of justice
Fresh calls for the truth in shipyard workers' fight to clear names.
GMB has backed a fresh call for answers in an appalling miscarriage of justice which saw strikers jailed for taking part in industrial action.
A total of 37 Cammell Laird shipyard workers were caged in 1984 after taking official strike action over job losses.
They were thrown in a high security category A jail - normally reserved for violent criminals and murderers - for 30 days and were then sacked, losing all their redundancy payments and pension rights.
Official documents relating to the severity of their sentenced have disappeared and despite the European Parliament backing their case in 2014 – the Government has remained silent.
Today four MPs - Shadow Justice Secretary Richard Burgon, Angela Eagle, Jim McMahon, Pat Glass – asked the Justice Secretary to publish the Government’s response to the EU Parliament’s findings.
Pat Glass, who is stepping down at the general election, chose this as her last ever question in the house.
Conservative Justice Minister Phillip Lee initially stonewalled the questions, but eventually said if he returns to his post after the election he will look into the matter.
Eddie Marnell, GMB Central Executive Council member and one of the Cammell Laird strikers, said:
“We were treated like hardened criminals instead of workers taking industrial action to protect our jobs.
“We were robbed of our livelihoods, our freedom and our families have all lost out as a result.
“Today four good MPs asked simple questions, trying to get to the bottom of why we were treated this way and who took those decision to lock us up.
“Until today when the Minister put on record that he would look into the case, the Government have consistently failed to answer questions from European Parliament, MPs and the very people who they owe a direct answer to; the Cammell Laird workers and their families.
“If they had nothing to hide they would make the relevant documents public and tell us who is accountable for this miscarriage of justice."
Paul McCarthy, GMB Regional Secretary, said:
“For too long the 37 Cammell Laird Strikers have live in limbo with their brutal treatment brushed under the carpet.
“It seemed like a victory of sorts when European politicians found in their favour – but the British Government has continued to ignore their pleas for justice.
“They had their whole lives pulled out from under the feet during those terrible events in 1984.
“GMB urges Justice Minister Phillip Lee to stick to his word by looking into this case and finally give Cammell Laird strikers the truth.”
