Barry White
As was likely given the forthcoming changes at the top of government, the decision on the UK’s first new deep coalmine in more than thirty years has been delayed. As reported (see: http://acesettleandarea.org/cumbrian-coal-mine-decision-delayed/) a decision was expected this Wednesday, but after the Westminster upheavals which also resulted in Michael Gove Secretary of State at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities being sacked by the outgoing Prime minister, it was unlikely that any decision would be made until after well after the new government takes office early next month.
Last week the Department wrote to Friends of the Earth (see: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate/coal-mine-decision-delayed-again) stating that a decision on whether or not to grant planning permission for the controversial new coal mine had been further delayed until “on or before 8 November 2022”.
Commenting, Victoria Marsom of Friends of the Earth, said:
“The case against this coal mine is overwhelming regardless of how many times the decision is delayed.
“The UK and European market for coking coal is set to rapidly diminish as manufacturers switch to greener steel, while coal from this mine won’t replace Russian imports. However, this new mine will increase carbon emissions, with the government’s climate watchdog describing it as “absolutely indefensible”.
“Fossil fuels cause enormous damage to both our environment and economy. Areas like Cumbria should be at the heart of building the greener future we need, so they can reap the benefits of the new jobs and opportunities this would bring.”
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