Both Stanron and Iains have given you a fairly accurate and objective picture of the "Nation v the Miners/Militant Trades Unions". Trades Unions exist to fight the case and look after the rights and working conditions of their members - they are not there to challenge the Government of the Country elected by the people of the country.

Most idiotic thing stated on this thread so far, considering that as Akenaton says we live in a capitalist economy, belongs to Steve Shaw:

"Thatcher hated the unions and set out to bust the industries in which they were strong."

The EU which all the "usual suspects" seem to support had rules related to Government subsidies keeping industries afloat. Perhaps Steve Shaw can detail how profitable the NCB was. Perhaps he can tell us how much the NCB cost the country per day just to keep going and then he can explain what the law of diminishing returns is and how following it results in a situation that is unsustainable and ruinous for all.