Levelling-Up Secretary Michael Gove has granted planning permission for a new coal mine in Cumbria - the first in Britain in 30 years.
A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesman said: "The Secretary of State has agreed to grant planning permission for a new metallurgical coal mine in Cumbria as recommended by the independent planning inspector.
"This coal will be used for the production of steel and would otherwise need to be imported. It will not be used for power generation.
"The mine seeks to be net zero in its operations and is expected to contribute to local employment and the wider economy."
But Tom Fyans of countryside charity CPRE said: “Nothing says out of touch like a government that has just become the first in more than 30 years to approve a new deep coal mine in the UK.
Image:
Lukas Schulze/Getty Images)"This absurdly retrograde decision will shackle us to the past at the precise moment the steel industry is transitioning to an environmentally sustainable future.”
Friends of the Earth campaigner, Tony Bosworth, said: “This is an appalling decision. Approving this mine is 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.
“Scientists are clear that new fossil fuel projects are not compatible with meeting global climate goals to limit warming to 1.5C.”
This breaking news story is being updated.
