A decision about the plans to create an £160 million coal mine off the coast of Whitehaven will be made while Boris Johnson remains as Prime Minister.
Michael Gove, in his role as Levelling-Up minister, had until yesterday, July 7, to make his decision following a lengthy planning inquiry into the proposals by West Cumbria Mining.
But he was sacked on July 6 and the Government went into freefall, resulting in the resignation of Boris Johnson as leader of the Conservative Party.
Trudy Harrison, Copeland MP, said she and Workington MP Mark Jenkinson, met with Mr Johnson on July 6, prior to Mr Gove being axed.
Now, it has been revealed that a decision about the coal mine is due on August 17 – while Mr Johnson remains as Prime Minister in a caretaking capacity, although some members of the Conservative Party and Labour are pushing for him to step down immediately.
West Cumbria Mining’s planning application – despite being approved three times by Cumbria County Council – were called in by the then Housing, Communities and Local Government secretary Robert Jenrick after concerns over climate change and the UK’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Mr Jenrick was replaced by Mr Gove in September in a straightforward cabinet reshuffle.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also said he was did not think it should go ahead.
Greg Clark has been appointed as the new Levelling-Up minister.
