New climate targets mean that ‘bonkers’ Cumbria coal mine plans must finally be axed - MP

Local MP Tim Farron says that controversial plans for a new deep coal mine in Cumbria must now be axed, after the Government announced it will be speeding up its target to cut carbon emissions.

This afternoon, the Prime Minister committed the UK to slash emissions by 78% by 2035 compared with 1990 levels.

Campaigners estimate that the Cumbrian coal mine will produce over 8 million tonnes of CO2 every year - equivalent to the emissions created from more than a million households.

Last month the Government announced that a public inquiry would determine the future of the mine later this year.

Tim said: "This is a very welcome announcement from Government and must surely signal the end for the Cumbria coal mine.

"If we are to achieve these much more ambitious carbon reduction targets, then there's simply no way on earth that the public inquiry can approve this coal mine.

"It's time for the Government to finally kill off this bonkers plan for a coal mine and instead focus on using Cumbria's fantastic natural resources to create new green jobs."