A campaign group has claimed a minister’s comments about the proposed coal mine in west Cumbria “is the strongest indication yet” of opposition at the heart of Government.
Speaking to BBC Radio Four, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “Initially, I think the relevant secretary of state (Robert Jenrick) said he wouldn’t go against the local planning decision, but he is now looking at that again and I think there were very compelling reasons to do as the CCC (Climate Change Committee) suggested and not open the mine.”
Environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth said: “Kwasi Kwarteng’s comments are the strongest indication yet of real opposition at the heart of government to the Cumbria coal mine.
“This mine will increase global emissions and severely damage the UK’s credibility ahead of hosting vital climate talks later this year.
“The government must reject this climate-wrecking mine and help the UK steel industry move to zero-carbon production technology – which will cut emissions and generate green jobs.”
