THE youngest of the Shrewsbury 24 pickets yesterday accused the government of being the “real conspirators” by refusing to release all trial documents in relation to their conviction.

Terry Renshaw was charged with conspiracy to intimidate, affray and unlawful assembly for his part in the first national builders’ strike in 1972.

More than 40 years later the government is still refusing to publish the trial documents on grounds of national security.

Mr Renshaw told RMT delegates that although the union already supports the campaign nationally it urgently needs regional branches to help fund the legal battle to overturn the convictions.

“Unfortunately in this country to get justice you have to pay for it,” he said.