A Cumbrian MP will outline why she believes West Cumbria needs a coal mine as the date for its inquiry is revealed.
Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland, spoke after the announcement that the inquiry into the application for the Woodhouse Colliery site in Whitehaven would be held on September 7.
The Planning Inspectorate – the Government’s planning regulator – called in the proposals for the mine, which would be built on the former Marchon site in the Kells area of Whitehaven, on March 25.
Statements and comments from interested parties must be submitted by May 6, with inquiry evidence required by August 10.
“Clearly the people who will benefit the most and who will be most affected by the Woodhouse Colliery development are my constituents in Copeland. That is why, if there is a physical venue, it must be in Whitehaven,” said Mrs Harrison.
“I will be speaking in support, arguing the present and future societal need for steel, especially as we transition from fossil fuel dependency to low carbon alternatives and green jobs.
“I will explain the current and long-term coking coal requirements for the UK and European steel plants, whilst also making the case for a net-zero compliant steel industry.
“Ultimately, I’ll set out the pragmatic and positive impact West Cumbria Mining would bring to both our area’s economy and the wider environment.”
