A small Cumbrian charity are fundraising to take legal action against the Whitehaven coal mine decision.
South Lakeland Against Climate Change (SLACC) trustees are preparing to decide on whether or not they will go forward with a statutory review in a bid to reverse the decision approving the UK’s first new coal mine in 30 years.
For action to proceed, the charity need to reach their target of £50,000 by January 5 in order to be financially able to lodge the relevant documents to challenge the Government’s decision. So far, they have raised a total of £27,050.
The money raised will cover the charity’s legal team costs as well as any successful cost claims made by the the government and potentially West Cumbria Mining, who are behind the plans for the mine.
The charity said: “So many business and political leaders, faith groups and scientists have spoken out against the mine, but SLACC needs money to take this forward.
“Our Trustees need to “press the button” on this by the January 5. They should not be in the position of risking their homes in the battle for rationality and a just climate transition.”
It added that in the event that they do not proceed with the legal action, donations will be put towards another legal battle against climate change and not kept.
The approval of the controversial new mine was announced on December 8 by Levelling Up Minister Michael Gove, after a lengthy planning inquiry.
