Pit union wants Scargill expelled

Former miners' leader Arthur Scargill has been told he is being expelled from the National Union of Mineworkers.

Mr Scargill, who led the union through a year-long strike over pit closures in the 1980s, is among a number of people who have received letters saying they no longer qualify for membership.

Mr Scargill, the union's former president, has told friends he intends to fight the move. He retained an honorary position within the NUM after standing down as a full-time official.

Ken Capstick, who has worked for the union for 30 years and currently edits its Miner magazine, has also been told he is being expelled.