0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:06 > 0:00:08- I'm Adam Price.
0:00:09 > 0:00:14- I'm on a journey to learn about the - story of the 1984-85 Miners' Strike.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19- I saw grown men in tears - at having to go back.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23- There were people who wanted that - strike to go on forever.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- It was like watching a drama.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33- But there was only one - possible end to that drama.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39- I don't think anyone thought it - would last a year.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- We see the strike - as something nostalgic...
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- ..that's romantic - or like a false golden era.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54- To be honest, I was scared.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- I've decided to give it one last go.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- I've come here to knock on his door.
0:01:01 > 0:01:07- Meeting someone you saw as a hero, - who'll possibly turn you away...
0:01:07 > 0:01:09- ..could be painful.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15- I wanted to absolutely guarantee - that he carried all of the blame...
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- ..that wasn't carried by - Margaret Thatcher.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26- Without my experiences of the - strike, who would I be?
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- Right, we're recording.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- When you're back, - you're not back with pride.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- You'll say to your son or your - daughter, that in 1984...
0:01:49 > 0:01:54- ..I took part in the greatest - struggle in Trade Union history.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05- We've come to Aberavon and it brings - back memories of the big rally.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09- It was the largest rally - that took place in South Wales.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13- It was held in the Afan Lido, - a stone's throw from here.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18- I had travelled - on the bus with my father.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- Many buses had travelled - from all mining towns.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- As we arrived, - I couldn't believe my eyes.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- There were no spaces - for all the buses to park.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34- There was no room for us - and my father had to smuggle me in.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38- I was so determined to be a part - of this historical evening.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44- A host of union representatives - and parties attended the rally.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49- We waited eagerly to hear from - one man and he was Norman Willis.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54- He was the leader - of the TUC in Britain.
0:02:57 > 0:03:03- We waited to hear from him - for one reason, namely support.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- The location was close - to the old steelworks.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- We expected him to announce that we - would be supported by the unions.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17- But unfortunately, - all we received was judgement.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22- The judgement surrounded the picket - line violence and threats to miners.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25- We couldn't believe it.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- Violence creates more violence.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- HECKLES
0:03:29 > 0:03:35- Out of that extra violence, - is built not solidarity...
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- ..but despair and defeatism.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- Boo!
0:03:41 > 0:03:47- In the midst of this, two miners - had climbed into the parapet...
0:03:47 > 0:03:51- ..and started to release - a rope above is head.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- This noose stood next to his ears.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59- It was miners' humour, - but they didn't want to hurt him.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- But it was a symbol - of how we all felt that evening.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- This was the leader of the Labour - unions and Labour organization...
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- ..who came to the strike - here in South Wales...
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- ..and not to extend his hand - to help, but to judge us.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- We all felt betrayed.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- Off! Off! Off! Off! Off!
0:04:23 > 0:04:25- Off! Off! Off! Off! Off!
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- Following Norman Willis...
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- ..the NUM president, Arthur - Scargill, addressed the crowd.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- Some thought that there was - no support for Scargill...
0:04:36 > 0:04:38- ..in the mining industry.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- It certainly wasn't true - at this rally.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- CHEERING
0:04:46 > 0:04:50- This was one of the most - fascinating speakers...
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- ..I had ever heard.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- On that evening...
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- ..Scargill had expressed - the feelings of the crowd.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05- His voice raised in tempo and - his finger pointed to the heavens.
0:05:05 > 0:05:10- I am not prepared to condemn - the actions of my members...
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- ..who's only crime - is fighting for the right to work...
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- ..fighting to save the pits, - jobs and mining communities.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- It was as if the Reformation - had returned to Wales.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- Scargill resembled a - congregational minister that night.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- I fought to save the job.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- I fought to save this community.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- But in doing so...
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- ..I preserved my dignity - as a human being...
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- ..and as a member of the finest - Trade Union in the world.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- I'm privileged to lead you, - I salute you...
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- ..the miners united - will never be defeated.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- "The miners united - will never be defeated."
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- That evening, we believed him.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02- # Arthur Scargill, - we'll support you ever more
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- # We'll support you ever more #
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- He's a central figure.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- Would there have been a strike - were it not for Arthur Scargill...
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- ..without his charisma...
0:06:25 > 0:06:30- ..and his incredible talent - as a leader at that time?
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- The strike started in Yorkshire...
0:06:37 > 0:06:42- ..and he was central to the roots - of the strike here.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- He was the leader of the - NUM during the strike...
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- ..and for some time later.
0:06:55 > 0:07:01- In my opinion, he was one - of the central figures...
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- ..to the history - of the 20th Century.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- He's one of those rare characters.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- He didn't long for the - permission of others...
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- ..when it came to his beliefs.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- Don't they yet understand!
0:07:29 > 0:07:34- They can't imprison my mind, - they can't sequestrate my ideas.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- They can't defeat - my allegiance or my class.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- He's more than an individual.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- He represents an organization, - a period...
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- ..and he represents a battle - which was lost.
0:07:47 > 0:07:52- There are many questions - that surround Arthur Scargill.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57- He's a very familiar figure, - but yet again he's still a mystery.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- It's impossible - to understand the strike...
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- ..and tell its history - without him...
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- ..or without understanding him - as a person.
0:08:14 > 0:08:20- We've tried to contact him on many - occasions on the phone and in email.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- He hasn't refused...
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- ..but he hasn't contacted us...
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- ..to tell us when he's available.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- He doesn't generally speak - to the media.
0:08:33 > 0:08:39- I have mixed emotions, but I've - decided to give it one last shot.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- I've come to knock on his door...
0:08:43 > 0:08:48- ..and ask if he'll tell me - how he saw things at the time...
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- ..and how he sees things now.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- I have to admit that - I'm feeling nervous.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03- Meeting someone - who was once your hero...
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- ..but who may turn you away...
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- ..could be painful.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- He came to the door - and it was like seeing a ghost.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- The experience of seeing someone - who is a historical figure...
0:09:29 > 0:09:34- ..and meeting them in person - as they open the door to you...
0:09:34 > 0:09:39- ..is an experience - that I will never forget.
0:09:42 > 0:09:48- He apologised - and said he didn't have time.
0:09:48 > 0:09:54- As he said in his emails, he would - be happy to do it another time...
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- ..but this morning isn't suitable.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05- I'm disappointed that he didn't have - the time to sit down with me.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- But he's certainly - a complex character.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16- Unfortunately, we won't be able - to understand his complexities...
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- ..as he's shut himself away.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- It's a shame to see someone - who was so eloquent...
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- ..who has now become a recluse.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- There are secrets...
0:10:35 > 0:10:41- ..which surround the strategies - and tactics he had in his mind...
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- ..and when the time comes, - these will go with him to his grave.
0:10:48 > 0:10:54- He's obviously a man under siege - in some type of castle.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59- When we think of how he used to be - and how many people admired him...
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- ..and compare it with today...
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- ..he seems like - a very lonely figure.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13- It's strange to meet the man - who was such a large character...
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- ..on the large, - historical world stage.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- At the time, he was legendary - on the historical stage...
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- ..but now, his world is smaller.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- There's an element of sadness to it.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- In the end, I thanked him - for what he did during the strike...
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- ..and for his contribution.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- I really do feel thankful.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50- It doesn't matter if you disagree - with the tactics and decisions...
0:11:50 > 0:11:56- ..I feel that his heart - was in the right place.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04- The speeches along with his - contribution will always be there.
0:12:04 > 0:12:10- Let the words of Arthur Scargill - from the strike be heard...
0:12:10 > 0:12:16- ..and don't add any epilogues, which - won't be as good as the original.
0:12:18 > 0:12:23- # We'll support you ever more #
0:12:23 > 0:12:23- .
0:12:26 > 0:12:26- Subtitles
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- My name is Adam Price.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- I've been on a journey - to the strike of 1984-85.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- This strike changed my life.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- When the strike came, - the Labour party leader...
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- ..was Neil Kinnock, - the son of a South Wales miner.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- At the time, many of us within - the South Wales mining industry...
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- ..expected someone - with his background...
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- ..to take the opportunity - to support the strike.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- We wanted him on the picket line - and to be prominent in rallies.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- I came from - a Labour-supporting family.
0:13:15 > 0:13:21- I couldn't understand why Kinnock - and the party didn't do this.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26- Mr Kinnock's visit has appeased - the leaders of Gwent miners' minds.
0:13:26 > 0:13:31- But, the miners believe that - Mr Kinnock could do more to help.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- I don't think they've - handled it very good.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- We haven't see him at all and he's - given us no support whatsoever.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- He should be here with - the rest of the boys...
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- ..on the picket line - and see what's happening.
0:13:47 > 0:13:48- He is going to come down, he says.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- He is going to come down, he says.- - Aye, at his own bloody time.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- For us on the front line...
0:13:53 > 0:13:58- ..it felt like we were - being betrayed.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- It left a bad taste in our mouths.
0:14:03 > 0:14:09- I'm happy to have the opportunity - to speak to Neil, the man...
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- ..and ask how he felt - about the strike.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- We have a lot in common.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- We're both sons to miners.
0:14:17 > 0:14:23- I want to know about his emotions - and feelings about that year...
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- ..which left a big mark - on the both of us.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38- Arthur Scargill could have been one - of- the- great Trade Union leaders.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45- But when you adopt a dogma, - a doctrine as Arthur Scargill did...
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- ..it means you only have to make up - your mind once in your life.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55- Then, the rest of your life - is dedicated to making it fulfilled.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- We've been on strike for 21 weeks.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- Mr MacGregor, if you think - we're going to go back...
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- ..if you withdraw - your pit closure plan...
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- ..you're living - in cloud cuckoo land.
0:15:09 > 0:15:14- You're going to have to resolve the - wages question, a four-day week...
0:15:14 > 0:15:19- ..and many other things that have - been outstanding for 20 years.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- Whatever one feels about the man...
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- ..he was an incredibly - impressive figure.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31- When he walked into a room, - you felt the electricity in the air.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- I was elected at the beginning - of October 1983.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- Among the first Trade Union leaders - I had to speak to...
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- ..was Arthur Scargill.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- We had a meeting in the - first week of November 1983.
0:15:47 > 0:15:52- I had no difficulty upholding - the argument for the case for coal.
0:15:56 > 0:16:01- You were a leader for - the Labour Party, a miner's son...
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- ..and representing - a mining constituency.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- Here you are, - catapulted into what became...
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- ..the most bitter industrial - dispute in living memory.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- The strike was - politically gigantic...
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- ..in its effects - on the Labour Party.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- It provided Mrs Thatcher...
0:16:23 > 0:16:28- ..with at least a period - of utter domination.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33- That central question of the - national ballot cast a shadow...
0:16:33 > 0:16:38- ..and was used very effectively - by the opponents of the miners.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- Yes, absolutely.
0:16:40 > 0:16:46- By early April, when I was appealing - privately, directly to Scargill...
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- ..if there's no ballot, - you will fail, you will lose.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- You must have a national ballot.
0:16:55 > 0:17:01- The miners of Britain needed every - piece of armament they could get.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- But, the missing part - of their armament...
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- ..and the thing that was - absent from any strategy...
0:17:09 > 0:17:13- ..was the democratic - legitimizing mandate...
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- ..that would have ensured - the whole of the mining workforce...
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- ..including Nottinghamshire - came out.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- If there had been - a national ballot...
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- ..it would have entirely - legitimized the strike.
0:17:27 > 0:17:33- When instead of having a ballot, - Arthur Scargill embraced the idea...
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- ..that picketing - could replace balloting.
0:17:37 > 0:17:42- You could physically prevent people - from getting to work or moving coal.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46- Then of course, - chaos started to take over.
0:17:46 > 0:17:52- In that situation, you need - to look to the cameras and say...
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- "There is a democratic mandate.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- "People have cast their vote.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01- "They've given us instructions - and that is why we're continuing."
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- People would have honoured it.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09- Was there any prospect - of an agreement during the strike?
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- By June, it became apparent...
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- ..that there was going to be - a long strike.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- By then, the first efforts began...
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- ..to encourage MacGregor - and Scargill to come to the table.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- But, these events - kept on fizzling out.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- That went on through June, - into July and into August...
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- ..and as late as October 1984.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- There was a changed formula...
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- ..for consideration of proposals - to close collieries.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49- If Scargill had accepted it, - it would have secured a victory...
0:18:49 > 0:18:53- ..that had really altered the - conditions on the coal fields...
0:18:54 > 0:18:59- ..and changed the way proposals - would be made for colliery closures.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- Those things were available.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- MacGregor even accepted them.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- Scargill dismissed the lot. - None of us could understand it.
0:19:09 > 0:19:10- It was dismissed...
0:19:11 > 0:19:16- ..and not communicated to - the mining workforce at all.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21- I will always believe that those - wonderful human qualities...
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- ..were abused by a leader...
0:19:24 > 0:19:30- ..who was interested in the - fulfilment of his doctrine...
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- ..much more - than he was interested...
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- ..in securing a reasonable - achievable victory for the miners...
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- ..and resulting in the protection - of at least a substantial amount...
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- ..of collieries and jobs, - if not every last one in Britain.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- Your natural sympathies...
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- ..would have been to be at the - forefront of this dispute.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- Yet your position as leader of the - Labour Party must have torn you.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- Why didn't you do more?
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- One of the factors that guided me - from the early days...
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- ..was the determination...
0:20:09 > 0:20:14- ..not to do anything, that could be - represented by Scargill...
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- ..as a reason for the - ultimate defeat of the miners.
0:20:18 > 0:20:24- I wanted to absolutely guarantee - that he carried all of the blame...
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- ..not carried by Margaret Thatcher.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- When this strike ended, - I hoped not in ignominy...
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- ..but my hopes weren't fulfilled...
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- ..that Scargill would not - be able to say...
0:20:39 > 0:20:45- "If only the Labour Leader hadn't or - had done this, we would have won."
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- There you are, - in the middle of the strike, Neil...
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- ..Her Majesty's Leader - of the Opposition.
0:20:54 > 0:20:55- But, you were helpless.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- But, you were helpless.- - I was utterly helpless.
0:20:57 > 0:21:02- In one sense, I was so helpless, - I couldn't confess helplessness.
0:21:02 > 0:21:08- I had to leave it to other people - to describe me as that and worse!
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- But all the time, - the churning within me...
0:21:13 > 0:21:18- ..was because of what was happening - on the coalfields and communities.
0:21:18 > 0:21:24- What was happening - at the leadership of the NUM...
0:21:24 > 0:21:29- ..and 10 Downing Street was searing.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- Do you have any regrets - or done anything differently?
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- I did everything that I could.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43- I was desperately saddened - but certain that without a ballot...
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- ..the strike, however long - it lasted, could not result...
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- ..in the saving of the coal industry - and everything that went with it.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- I've never felt so hopeless - in my life...
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- ..but I couldn't afford to despair.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- He had chosen his way and his path.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11- Once you choose to be the British - leader of the Labour Party...
0:22:11 > 0:22:17- ..there are some times - when you have to follow logic.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- You sacrifice - the miners on the altar...
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- ..to win the next election.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- He wanted to be the - British Prime Minister.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- There are some things you must - do to be the Prime Minister.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- One of those things...
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- ..is to not put the South Wales - miners first at all times.
0:22:45 > 0:22:45- .
0:22:49 > 0:22:49- Subtitles
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:22:52 > 0:22:53- My name is Adam Price.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59- I'm on a journey to uncover the - story of the 1984-85 Miners' Strike.
0:23:01 > 0:23:06- I recall seeing images of the strike - on the television at home everyday.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12- But, I wasn't confident that the - media was broadcasting the truth.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- I felt they sided with the state, - judged the miners...
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- ..and supported those - who broke the strike.
0:23:20 > 0:23:26- How difficult was it to be - a journalist during these troubles?
0:23:26 > 0:23:31- Vaughan Roderick has - followed the story for Newyddion 7.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- If the new tactics - by the miners are a success...
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- ..the steel corporations' problems - will intensify.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- There's plenty of iron ore in - Llanwern for another month's work.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- I recall Vaughan's reports...
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- ..about the lorries transporting - coal along the M4.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56- There were reports of violence - on the picket lines...
0:23:56 > 0:24:02- ..as miners stopped coal entering - the Llanwern and Port Talbot works.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13- The convoys of lorries travelling - on the M4 were unbelievable.
0:24:13 > 0:24:19- There was about 100 to 150 lorries - and they stretched for miles.
0:24:19 > 0:24:25- When men began returning to work - in the final months of the strike...
0:24:25 > 0:24:31- ..the only conflict that took place - was at Port Talbot and Llanwern.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34- By using hundreds of lorries...
0:24:35 > 0:24:39- ..the steel corporations - managed to supply the works.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43- All attempts by miners to block - entrances were all in vain.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50- This was possibly - the first live strike...
0:24:50 > 0:24:52- ..to be seen on the television.
0:24:53 > 0:24:54- Definitely.
0:24:54 > 0:24:59- Some of the most powerful images - we remember from the strike...
0:24:59 > 0:25:03- ..are images taken from the cars - crossing the picket lines...
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- ..including those images - of the picket line at Aberaman.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- Joy Watson drove her - husband into work again.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15- This time, - she has an ITN camera in the back...
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- ..and the reception - was even more violent.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24- A stone smashed through the window, - hitting the driver.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29- The traffic forced the car to stop.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- The women took advantage.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- Some people including journalists...
0:25:38 > 0:25:44- ..have said the strike - was one of the defining moments...
0:25:44 > 0:25:48- ..of the latter half - of the 20th Century for them.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52- Was it that important - or do we think about it too much?
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- It was the War and Peace - of journalism.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00- There were a number - of colourful characters...
0:26:00 > 0:26:06- ..the pathos which included - sad and terrible times...
0:26:06 > 0:26:10- ..and it also had the - occasional heroic elements.
0:26:11 > 0:26:16- It was just like watching a drama - or a tale.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25- Most of my work centred around - the coal mines in the east.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29- I followed the convoys - from Port Talbot to Llanwern.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35- You could see the efforts to stop - the lorries from entering.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- In reality, - the events that took place...
0:26:40 > 0:26:43- ..at Port Talbot, - Llanwern and Phurnacite...
0:26:44 > 0:26:48- ..are among the most defining...
0:26:48 > 0:26:53- ..and violent moments - on the picket lines of South Wales.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05- As a journalist...
0:27:06 > 0:27:11- ..you had to be impartial - to both sides in your items.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16- It must have had - an emotional affect on you...
0:27:16 > 0:27:20- ..as you came from the area - and knew the people.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24- You knew the importance - of these communities.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28- You're not a robot - so you are affected by these things.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33- On the other hand, - I had to be just like a doctor...
0:27:33 > 0:27:38- ..as I had a professional - responsibility not to show it.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- In almost every other coal field...
0:27:41 > 0:27:46- ..people would have to film - from behind the police lines...
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- ..from the perspective - of the police.
0:27:49 > 0:27:54- There was a bad relationship between - the miners and journalists...
0:27:54 > 0:27:56- ..so this was the only option.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- Was there disagreement - in the conference?
0:28:00 > 0:28:04- The conference decision was to not - speak to the press out here.
0:28:04 > 0:28:09- Anybody making statements to the - press will be the president only.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- There are no statements - to the press.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14- We're stopping it from by here.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18- The relationship between - Welsh miners and journalists...
0:28:18 > 0:28:22- ..was good enough - to give us more freedom to film.
0:28:23 > 0:28:28- But, this was not the case - in Orgreave and Yorkshire.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32- I'm confident - that our portrayal of the strike...
0:28:32 > 0:28:38- ..was as complete and as fair - as it could be.
0:28:38 > 0:28:44- I remember watching - the evening bulletins.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- You broadcast the figures...
0:28:47 > 0:28:51- ..in terms of those miners - who had returned to work.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55- Was that crossing the line?
0:28:55 > 0:29:00- Was the media used as some - sort of instrument by the state?
0:29:01 > 0:29:04- Were we being used?
0:29:05 > 0:29:07- It's a good question.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- The fact that 100 men had returned - to work was a news story.
0:29:12 > 0:29:17- The difficult role facing the media - was to create the narrative...
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- ..that the strike - was beginning to weaken.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- In that sense, there was no choice.
0:29:24 > 0:29:30- It would have been wrong for a news - outlet not to report that story.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34- The effect of this genuine story...
0:29:34 > 0:29:37- ..was to encourage other miners - to return.
0:29:37 > 0:29:43- The NCB claimed that 53 men - broke the strike in South Wales.
0:29:43 > 0:29:48- The board's spokesman claimed - that 468 miners were at work today.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52- But, the union corrected - the figure as 325.
0:29:52 > 0:29:57- Did you feel that history was being - made and that you were a part of it?
0:29:57 > 0:30:01- If someone had asked me - during the strike...
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- ..that it would mean the end of the - mining industry in South Wales...
0:30:05 > 0:30:08- ..then I wouldn't have believed it.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- I don't think the - most pessimistic of miners...
0:30:13 > 0:30:17- ..would have believed - that the National Coal Board...
0:30:17 > 0:30:19- ..would close all the mines.
0:30:22 > 0:30:28- This big strike was the end of - the industrial revolution in Wales.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32- It was where - the industrial revolution began.
0:30:32 > 0:30:37- It's important historically - as the final chapter.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- The efforts of the miners - had been in vain...
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- ..but the period - had transformed Wales.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48- The prominent individuals - of the dispute...
0:30:48 > 0:30:54- ..saw the opportunity to make sure - that it wouldn't happen again.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58- There will problems across Wales - following the strike.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03- If people want us to continue, - then that is what we will do.
0:31:04 > 0:31:09- I've come to meet Hywel Francis - at the DOVE centre in Cwmdulais.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13- How did the disappointment - of the strike's failure...
0:31:13 > 0:31:16- ..turn into a desire - for new politics?
0:31:17 > 0:31:19- You were central to the creation...
0:31:19 > 0:31:24- ..of the Wales Congress - in Support of Mining Communities.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26- This is what was important.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31- We felt there was a lot of support - across the whole of Wales...
0:31:31 > 0:31:35- ..for the miners...
0:31:35 > 0:31:38- ..that we needed to establish - an organization.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42- There was Plaid Cymru, - the Labour Party...
0:31:42 > 0:31:47- ..unions, churches, gays - and the Welsh Language Society.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51- We needed to bring and - bind them together...
0:31:51 > 0:31:54- ..to create this organization.
0:31:54 > 0:31:59- I always felt we had to move the - battle away from the picket lines.
0:31:59 > 0:32:05- It was important, but we needed - to move it back to the communities.
0:32:06 > 0:32:07- The community was strong.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11- When I speak of community, - I mean Wales as a whole.
0:32:11 > 0:32:16- Some have said in the years - since the strike...
0:32:17 > 0:32:21- ..that the Wales Congress - in Support of Mining Communities...
0:32:21 > 0:32:26- ..was a turning point - in the attitude towards devolution.
0:32:26 > 0:32:32- It was never discussed at the time, - but a seed had been planted.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- I didn't understand it at the time.
0:32:35 > 0:32:41- I understood the importance of - establishing the congress for Wales.
0:32:41 > 0:32:47- We wanted the nation to be part - of this working class battle.
0:32:47 > 0:32:52- But we had no idea - that within 20 years...
0:32:52 > 0:32:56- ..we could help to establish - the National Assembly.
0:32:56 > 0:33:01- The roots of the Assembly - were in that battle.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03- I'm certain of it.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07- Hywel Francis wasn't the only one...
0:33:07 > 0:33:12- ..who thought the vast political - and industrial change...
0:33:12 > 0:33:14- ..stemmed from that year.
0:33:14 > 0:33:19- I went on a personal journey from - voting Labour to join Plaid Cymru.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23- Without the strike, - I can't imagine who I'd be today.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25- I would be a different Adam.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30- I've come to meet a man who was - called the Member for the Miners.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34- He was a man - who influenced me as a boy.
0:33:34 > 0:33:39- What were the obligations of losing - the strike to the future of Wales?
0:33:39 > 0:33:43- As Britain lurches further - and further to the right...
0:33:43 > 0:33:47- ..only we in Wales, can stop - our society moving the same way.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- We must do it ourselves...
0:33:50 > 0:33:53- ..and build on what - has happened this year.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57- We were attempting - to express our opposition...
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- ..by saying "no" - to what was happening.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02- But as you say "no"...
0:34:02 > 0:34:06- ..you must also offer suggestions - for a possible solution.
0:34:07 > 0:34:12- In my case, I joined the party - during the strike.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15- The whole family joined the party...
0:34:16 > 0:34:21- ..a family who had traditionally - been supporters of Labour.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25- In one way, it's easy - to see the strike as reactive.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28- We were reacting - to a community crisis...
0:34:28 > 0:34:34- ..where the majority of the - working class were being oppressed.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37- As in every large-scale conflict...
0:34:37 > 0:34:42- ..something challenging - develops from it.
0:34:44 > 0:34:49- Our working class in Wales...
0:34:49 > 0:34:51- ..was being destroyed...
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- ..by the decisions of - a right-wing government.
0:34:56 > 0:35:02- They were determined not to allow - miners to impose any conditions...
0:35:02 > 0:35:08- ..on the way the government would - privatize the energy industries.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12- This was central to all occurrences.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14- I recall you saying...
0:35:15 > 0:35:19- ..that the strike was - the national battle...
0:35:19 > 0:35:24- ..and the national organization - held the same values even then.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- You must remember - that there was no other choice.
0:35:27 > 0:35:32- This was something that challenged - the whole of Wales.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34- We had to react to it.
0:35:34 > 0:35:39- This was the new dimension for me - within the politics of the strike.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45- In the end, the strike was lost.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48- What were the results - of that for Wales?
0:35:48 > 0:35:51- It was a turning point...
0:35:52 > 0:35:56- ..from the old industrial era - and its conflicts...
0:35:57 > 0:36:02- ..towards a new idea of Wales and - the need for more powers in Wales.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08- Was the Senedd building - and the National Assembly...
0:36:09 > 0:36:12- ..based in some way - on this new-found awareness?
0:36:13 > 0:36:18- Yes, - as the conflict behind the strike...
0:36:18 > 0:36:24- ..was between the Welsh people and - miners and the British Government.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28- The only answer or solution...
0:36:29 > 0:36:32- ..was not - to allow this to happen again.
0:36:41 > 0:36:41- .
0:36:44 > 0:36:44- Subtitles
0:36:44 > 0:36:46- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:36:48 > 0:36:54- I'm Adam Price and I'm on a journey - back to the strike of 1984-85.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58- It was a strike that - would change my life forever.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01- As it came to a bitter end...
0:37:01 > 0:37:05- ..who was responsible for it - and how did it happen?
0:37:05 > 0:37:08- To answer those questions...
0:37:08 > 0:37:12- ..we're joined in Cardiff - by Kim Howells of South Wales NUM.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15- It would be foolish to deny...
0:37:15 > 0:37:20- ..that for the first time, we've got - people actually going back to work.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25- It's made them think and everyone - is down on their uppers.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- What people are on - strike about really...
0:37:28 > 0:37:31- ..is asserting that the - pits belong to everyone.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35- The miners must have a say - in determining their future.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38- This does sound different...
0:37:39 > 0:37:42- ..to what we've heard from - Mr Scargill and others.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47- I've come to meet Kim Howells, an - influential figure within the NUM...
0:37:48 > 0:37:53- ..to learn about the strike's final - chapter that changed Wales forever.
0:37:53 > 0:37:54- Hello, Kim.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56- Hello, Kim.- - Adam, lovely to see you.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- I was born into a mining - community in Aberdare.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05- My uncles had worked at this pit.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09- My father had worked here - for a short time.
0:38:10 > 0:38:15- The talk in the house - was always about this industry.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19- It was amazing what people did.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25- The November of the strike came.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- It was a dark, cold - and horrible month.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- This thing had gone on - and people were suffering.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- Suddenly, - we heard the terrible news...
0:38:35 > 0:38:40- ..that two young boys had pushed - a concrete post off a bridge...
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- ..on the Heads of the Valleys Road - and it was terrible.
0:38:44 > 0:38:49- David Williams decided to return to - work at the Merthyr Vale Colliery.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55- As the taxi was travelling, concrete - pieces were dropped from the bridge.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59- The driver, David Wilkie, - lost control of the car.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02- And a rally was organized.
0:39:03 > 0:39:08- I thought that someone ought - to be there and say these things.
0:39:08 > 0:39:09- I got up and said...
0:39:10 > 0:39:14- ..that this is the way - the strike has been prosecuted.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17- There has been violence...
0:39:17 > 0:39:20- ..and there shouldn't be violence.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23- Miners shouldn't be fighting miners.
0:39:24 > 0:39:28- This is terrible, - this is a sign of weakness...
0:39:28 > 0:39:31- ..not strength and determination.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36- I said that and said that - it could have happened to any of us.
0:39:36 > 0:39:42- Any of us who threw anything - or maybe tried to stop a lorry.
0:39:42 > 0:39:47- That lorry could have veered - off the road and killed others.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49- It was a disgrace...
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- ..that the National Leadership - were too gutless to admit that...
0:39:54 > 0:39:57- ..to say that we're not having - any more of that.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- We're going to stop - and use our brains.
0:40:00 > 0:40:05- But, they didn't. They didn't have - the courage or the brains to do it.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07- During the strike...
0:40:07 > 0:40:13- ..I was radicalized as a young - miner's son and very politicized.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- Alongside Dafydd Elis-Thomas...
0:40:16 > 0:40:21- ..you were the - biggest influence on me.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25- I don't think it's too much - of an exaggeration to say...
0:40:26 > 0:40:28- ..that you were a political hero.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30- At the end of the strike...
0:40:31 > 0:40:34- ..you articulated the - need to return to work...
0:40:35 > 0:40:40- ..I almost felt like my hero - had been taken away from me.
0:40:40 > 0:40:45- Adam, its easy to say this, - looking back in hindsight.
0:40:45 > 0:40:50- I can't remember anything - we had been so passionate about...
0:40:50 > 0:40:54- ..about prosecuting that strike - until it finished.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- I can't imagine any situation - where individual areas...
0:40:58 > 0:41:01- ..would decide to - go back on their own.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04- South Wales would - certainly never do that.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07- It would abide - by a national decision.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- That decision might take - all sorts of forms.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14- In South Wales, - there are lodges who'd say...
0:41:14 > 0:41:17- "Perhaps it's best - to maintain the NUM...
0:41:17 > 0:41:21- "..and return to work and fight - it on a pit by pit basis."
0:41:21 > 0:41:25- We were causing them - to relinquish...
0:41:25 > 0:41:28- ..something that had been - precious and dear to them.
0:41:29 > 0:41:34- That was the democratic nature of - the National Union of Mineworkers.
0:41:35 > 0:41:40- That democratic constitution - was something they fought for...
0:41:40 > 0:41:44- ..and here we were transgressing - across all of that.
0:41:45 > 0:41:51- You don't regret making that call - in the dying days of the strike.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54- No, we should have - made it much earlier.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- It was the hardest thing - I've ever had to do.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00- We'd done our best - as an area union...
0:42:00 > 0:42:05- ..to try and convince everybody - that this strike was winnable.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07- But, we had to say enough is enough.
0:42:07 > 0:42:13- The suffering is pointless and - we're going to lose this dispute...
0:42:13 > 0:42:16- ..and lose the union, - if we don't act now.
0:42:18 > 0:42:23- It has been the considered view of - conference, by a very narrow vote...
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- ..that we should - return on Tuesday...
0:42:26 > 0:42:30- ..and continue the fight, - as far as this union is concerned.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- I saw grown men in tears - at having to go back.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36- Like my wife told me...
0:42:36 > 0:42:41- "You will not go back to work - George, if you've got to eat grass."
0:42:41 > 0:42:43- She said, "I'll eat glass with you.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- "But I feel so ashamed - of my fellow workmen...
0:42:47 > 0:42:50- "..for what they've turned round - and done to my union."
0:42:51 > 0:42:55- We felt that in so many ways, - it would be the end of Wales.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59- It would be the end of something - that was very remarkable.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02- It was - a very remarkable community...
0:43:02 > 0:43:05- ..and a very remarkable people.
0:43:07 > 0:43:12- The real betrayal - was the lack of national leadership.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16- We were the ones - who remained loyal and stayed out.
0:43:16 > 0:43:22- We were the ones who witnessed - families below the bread line...
0:43:22 > 0:43:25- ..going through the most terrible - privations.
0:43:26 > 0:43:31- Yet, here we were, - being lectured to by Scargill.
0:43:31 > 0:43:34- People were going - from rally to rally...
0:43:34 > 0:43:39- ..being lorded by their followers.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44- It was nonsense because - the suffering on the coal field...
0:43:44 > 0:43:49- ..meant they should have looked - at what was likely to happen.
0:43:49 > 0:43:51- Were we ever going to win?
0:43:51 > 0:43:55- There were people who wanted - it to go on forever.
0:43:55 > 0:43:59- They loved it. - It was the best time they ever had.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05- It was nonsense, a crime actually.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09- It was a crime that - the boys in Cynheidre...
0:44:09 > 0:44:13- ..were being forced back to work - after ten or eleven months...
0:44:14 > 0:44:16- ..and being called scabs.
0:44:16 > 0:44:22- What other workforce would have - stayed out for that length of time?
0:44:22 > 0:44:24- It was all blather.
0:44:24 > 0:44:29- The real suffering was amongst those - families who were on strike.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32- It was a disgrace - that Scargill and the rest...
0:44:32 > 0:44:35- ..didn't to do anything about it.
0:44:39 > 0:44:44- It doesn't take much to get men out - on strike if they have a grievance.
0:44:44 > 0:44:48- You've got to be a lion to get to - those men and say...
0:44:48 > 0:44:53- "We've achieved all we can achieve. - We've got to go back."
0:44:55 > 0:45:00- You strip everything away - and all of the detail.
0:45:00 > 0:45:03- The thing that remains is the - incredible sense...
0:45:03 > 0:45:07- ..of collective self-sacrifice - for a bigger ideal.
0:45:07 > 0:45:11- In a way, many mistakes were made...
0:45:11 > 0:45:14- ..but I'm still glad - I was part of it.
0:45:14 > 0:45:18- You're right. - You've expressed it beautifully.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21- It was a kind of renaissance - in many ways.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26- It marked my generation, - like nothing else did.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29- The 1984-85 strike...
0:45:29 > 0:45:33- ..was something that none of us - had ever expected.
0:45:33 > 0:45:37- None of us had lived through it - previously and never will again.
0:45:48 > 0:45:49- Dad!
0:45:54 > 0:45:59- There's no doubt that the 1984-85 - strike is what made me as a person.
0:45:59 > 0:46:03- In the following years - as a politician...
0:46:03 > 0:46:07- ..when I tried to remind myself - of who I was...
0:46:08 > 0:46:09- ..and about my values...
0:46:10 > 0:46:13- ..I would turn back - to the strike as an anchor.
0:46:13 > 0:46:15- It was that important to me.
0:46:17 > 0:46:21- As I looked back - at the strike's history...
0:46:21 > 0:46:26- ..and met the characters - on the opposing sides, I was scared.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30- Would I see the strike - as something nostalgic?
0:46:31 > 0:46:35- Would I see it as a false - golden age which didn't exist?
0:46:38 > 0:46:42- I still feel - that the strike was right.
0:46:42 > 0:46:48- I still feel as passionate - about it today as I did then.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51- It was right for us - to stand as we did.
0:46:54 > 0:46:59- There are people who were my heroes - during the strike...
0:47:00 > 0:47:02- ..and they are - still my heroes today.
0:47:02 > 0:47:06- They are the ordinary miners - and their families.
0:47:06 > 0:47:09- This is why the strike - is important to me.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12- The strike was due to an idea.
0:47:13 > 0:47:18- They weren't striking for - themselves but for the principle...
0:47:18 > 0:47:24- ..that communities are more - important than selfish objectives.
0:47:24 > 0:47:28- This is what happened in the - strike and it could happen again!
0:47:35 > 0:47:38- The miners, the miners, - will never be defeated!
0:47:39 > 0:47:42- The miners, the miners, - will never be defeated!
0:47:42 > 0:47:46- The miners, the miners, - will never be defeated!
0:48:22 > 0:48:24- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:48:24 > 0:48:24- .