This week sees 54th anniversary of the Battle of Saltley Gate, 10th February 1972. The battle went on through the entire week and workers across Birmingham came out in support. 15-20,000 marched on Saltley and ensure that the gates to the coking plant were closed.
The police had advised the government that they had everything under control, but as a result of the extent of solidarity from working people: men and women from diverse cultures, the police ordered the gates to be closed. The Prime Minister, Edward Heath, lost the following election after asking who ran the country. We, the people told him.
This was the time when an unknown Yorkshire miner, Arthur Scargill, became known in Britain and as leader of the 1984 – 5 Miners Strike, universally. The struggle continues. Saltley was a clear victory. A further confrontation at Orgreave mirrored Saltley. A demand for a public enquiry continues.
Birmingham Trade Council organised the 40th anniversary celebration in 2012 when Arthur Scargill, Ken Capstick, Deputy Leader of the Yorkshire miners during the strike and Bob Crow, General Secretary of the RMT were speaker. Banner Theatre performed music, including sings from their production telling the story of the Battle of Saltley Gate. Teacher and Troops Out activist Mary Pearson was M.C.
You can watch a video of Ken Capstick speaking at the 40 anniversary.
Here is the BBC report from 2012 on the anniversary: