Judges reject miners' plea over documents
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lawyers for mineworkers' unions yesterday failed in their High Court attempt to force the Government and British Coal to hand over copies of official papers connected with the decision to earmark 10 pits for early closure.
The unions asked the court to order 'discovery' of the documents in the light of allegations that the 10 were selected on an arbitrary basis to buy off a Tory backbench rebellion. John Hendy QC, for the mineworkers, said the allegations, if true, undermined the assertion of British Coal and Michael Heseltine, President of the Board of Trade, that the pits were chosen for shut-down because they were uneconomic and not viable for the future.
Lord Justice Glidewell, sitting with Mr Justice Hidden, refused the application and said reasons would be given later. The hearing continues today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments