Councillors in North Lanarkshire have voted in favour of commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1984-1985 UK miners’ strike.

At a recent full council meeting Progressive Change North Lanarkshire councillor Greg Lennon, who represents Gartcosh, Glenboig and Moodiesburn, tabled a motion calling on the council to recognise the anniversary as an event of “profound historical and social significance”.

The motion, which was seconded by Green councillor for Stepps, Chryston and Muirhead Claire Williams, proposed feasibility studies into a series of commemorative actions to be taken including events, work towards installing a memorial at the Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, and initiatives to promote workers’ rights as well as lighting up the council’s Motherwell headquarters in red and writing to the UK Government to support the miners’ pardon bill.

Part of the motion read: “We acknowledge the courage and resilience of the miners and their families who faced immense hardship and adversity during this challenging period. Their struggle not only highlighted the critical importance of workers’ rights and fair labour practices but also underscored the strength of community solidarity and support.

“We commend the enduring spirit of the mining communities in North Lanarkshire, whose legacy continues to inspire the pursuit of social justice and equity in our authority.

“We acknowledge the courage and resilience of the miners and their families who faced immense hardship and adversity during this challenging period. Their struggle not only highlighted the critical importance of workers’ rights and fair labour practices but also underscored the strength of community solidarity and support.

“We commend the enduring spirit of the mining communities in North Lanarkshire, whose legacy continues to inspire the pursuit of social justice and equity in our authority.”

The motion was opposed by Conservative councillors, with Nathan Wilson (Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig) and Sandy Watson (Airdrie South) tabling an amendment which called for no action to be taken.

The amendment argued that North Lanarkshire’s industrial heritage is already well represented, and work was already underway to upgrade Summerlee with a new miners’ village and welfare hall. It was also pointed out that Scottish miners who were convicted due to their involvement in the strike have already been pardoned as this matter is devolved to Holyrood.

The motion was carried by 66 votes to five.