‘Complete disaster’: Boris Johnson’s government criticised by campaigners for failure to block new coal mine
Ministers accused of ‘jaw-dropping inconsistency’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Campaigners have accused Boris Johnson’s government of a backwards step in the fight against climate change after it emerged it will not block a new coal mine in Cumbria.
Ministers have decided not to ‘call in’ the planning application for the site near Whitehaven.
Bike-riding Mr Johnson has styled himself as pro-environment prime minister and launched plans for what he claims will be a green industrial revolution, although they have been criticised by campaign groups.
Environmental campaigners said the decision by Communities secretary Robert Jenrick not to call-in the West Cumbria Mining development was disastrous.
Greenpeace UK's policy director, Doug Parr, said: “We are in a climate emergency and in no way, shape, or form should this or any new coal mine be granted planning permission.
"Of course, job creation is absolutely vital to communities but we must look forward to the jobs of 21st century, not back to those in declining industries. Robert Jenrick needs to immediately reverse his decision not to call this in and then can the project completely."
Friends of the Earth coal campaigner Tony Bosworth said: “Mr Jenrick’s refusal to ‘call in’ this unnecessary and climate-wrecking coal mine shows jaw-dropping inconsistency…last month the government said it would no longer support fossil fuel projects overseas.
“Allowing coal to be extracted from this proposed mine for over a quarter of a century completely undermines the government’s credibility on the climate crisis – especially ahead of the crucial UN summit later this year, which the UK is hosting.
“Global leadership on the climate emergency means leaving coal in the ground, where it belongs.”
Local MP and former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: “This decision is a complete disaster for our children’s future – an almighty backwards step in the fight against climate change.
“It’s utter and rank hypocrisy for this Conservative Government to claim one minute that they care about protecting our environment, and in the next give the green light to a deep coal mine.”
Ministers said they believed planning decision were best taken by local communities except in very exceptional circumstances.
It is understood the final decision now lies with Cumbria County Council.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments