A Cumbrian MP has asked Alok Sharma to stop plans for an £160 million coal mine off the coast of Whitehaven.
West Cumbria Mining wants to create the undersea mine to extract coking coal for the steel industry.
Despite being approved three times by the county council, the decision was called in by the Government and a public inquiry was held last year.
The inquiry’s decision is expected to be published soom.
Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and the Border, spoke in the House of Commons today.
Dr Hudson has previously said he was a strong opponent of the coal mine
Dr Hudson said: “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?
Mr 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.”
After the session, Dr Hudson said: “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 events. 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.”
