MP urges Secretary of State to throw out plans for a new coal mine in Cumbria

On the floor of the House of Commons this afternoon, South Lakes MP Tim Farron called for ministers to bury plans for a new coal mine in Cumbria.

After the plans were approved by Cumbria County Council back in March, Tim wrote to the Secretary of State to call the decision in.

Following this the proposals have now stalled, and Tim is now urging Government to finally put the plans to bed.

During a debate on climate change, Tim said: "If we're serious about tackling climate change, we need to keep fossil fuels in the ground.

"And to that end, will she agree with me that the proposals for a West Cumbria coal mine should be cancelled - will she speak to her friend the Secretary of State for Local Government to whom I have written.

"And will she instead commit Government money from the Northern Powerhouse to create renewable energy jobs in West Cumbria instead."

In response, the Energy Secretary Andrea Leadsom said she was delighted that the UK had moved to a 40% reliance on coal to just 5% today.