Penrith and The Border MP, Dr Neil Hudson, today asked the COP26 President about stopping the proposed West Cumbria coal mine. Dr Hudson is a strong opponent of the coal mine, which was called in for review last year and a decision is expected in the coming months.
Dr Hudson asked:
“I welcome that we are moving away from use of coal and that should include new exploration for coal, both thermal and metallurgical coal. With that in mind, does my Right Honourable Friend agree that the UK can be a beacon to the rest of the world on this and we can show a progressive environmental example by not going ahead with the proposed coal mine in West Cumbria?
The COP26 President Alok Sharma replied:
“As my Honourable Friend is aware an independent inspector has overseen a public inquiry into this scheme. A report is now being prepared and recommendations for Ministers to consider, he’ll understand that it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage. However, more generally, I would say that the UK has shown leadership on coal, not least through the significant reduction in coal use over the last decade to generate our electricity.”
Commenting after the question session, Dr Hudson added:
“I have been clear that I am opposed to the proposed West Cumbria coal mine. I understand the COP President could not commit today in the Chamber, but there will likely come a stage soon this year when the Government must make a decision on the recommendation of the public inquiry into the coal mine. I hope they make the right one.
The world’s climate is clearly changing, and we continue to see adverse extreme weather evens. The publication last summer of the IPCC report makes stark reading and we need to act collectively as a world to fight climate change. We need to continue to deliver on the excellent progress that COP26 produced and need to set an example to the world. The Government can do this by demonstrating how serious it is about ending new coal exploration domestically.”
