By UK set for first new coal mine in 30 years
Gove gives the go-ahead for the first new UK coal mine in 30 years, amid serious concerns about its climate impacts.
Conservative MPs and experts have warned against the impacts the controversial mine could cause.
The proposed mine in Cumbria would dig up coking coal for steel production in the UK and across the world, however, critics have said it would ‘undermine’ climate targets.
However, supporters claim the mine, near Whitehaven, will create jobs and reduce the need to import coal.
The West Cumbria Mining project was initially approved by the local county council in 2020, however, the approval was suspended in early 2021, ahead of the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.
The government’s advisory Climate Change Committee (UKCCC) pointed out that 85% of the coal produced by the mine would be exported.
Lord Deben, chairman of the CCC, described the proposal as “absolutely indefensible” and said its approval would damage the UK’s leadership on climate change the BBC reported.
Planning authorities reviewed the original decision and sent a report to the secretary of state of communities to review and make a final judgement.
Mr Gove the communities and levelling-up secretary had agreed with the planning inspector’s recommendation to approve the mine.
The letter says Mr Gove was “satisfied that there is currently a UK and European market for the coal”.
The secretary of state agrees with the assessment that the effects of the development on carbon emissions “would be relatively neutral and not significant”, the letter says.
The department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said the decision was consistent with the government’s policies on curbing carbon emissions.
Friends of the Earth said the decision was a “misguided and deeply damaging mistake that flies in the face of all the evidence”.
“The mine isn’t needed, will add to global climate emissions, and won’t replace Russian coal,” said Friends of the Earth campaigner Tony Bosworth.
(Image: West Cumbria Mining Company)
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