Scargill's reaction to Thatcher

One of Margaret Thatcher's biggest domestic conflicts came with powerful union boss Arthur Scargill. He clashed bitterly with her during the 1984/85 miners' strike.

Scargill has managed to avoid media attention since Thatcher's death - but now, for the first time, ITV News can reveal his response.

Arthur Scargill was sent a text message by Ken Capstick, the Treasurer of the Socialist Labour Party which read: "Thatcher Dead". As pictured below, back came this equally short reply from Scargill: "SCARGILL ALIVE !"

In an interview recorded by ITV News Central last year, Arthur Scargill, Former National Union of Mineworkers President, gave this reaction when he was asked what he thought about Margaret Thatcher.

Mr Scargill was being interviewed to mark the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Saltley Gate.