Scrap coal mine plans and invest in green jobs, MP tells COP President

On the floor of the House of Commons this week, South Lakes MP Tim Farron urged the President of COP26 Alok Sharma to finally axe plans for a controversial new coal mine in Cumbria.

A report released by the think tank Green Alliance estimated that the mine would produce 8.4 million tonnes of CO2 per year - the equivalent of the emissions of more than one million homes.

A Public Inquiry into the proposed coal mine closed back in October with the Government expected to make a final decision soon.

Speaking during COP26 questions in Parliament on Wednesday, Tim said: "It would be entirely appropriate for the COP President to comment and intervene on this - it is a political decision whether to go ahead with a new coal mine in Cumbria.

"Should he not cancel it now and instead invest in wind, hydro, marine and tidal energy that can be championed by Cumbrian businesses such as Gilkes, investing in green jobs rather than dirty, old-fashioned ones?"

Responding, Alok Sharma MP said: "I thought that the honourable gentleman liked independent processes and that is what is running now."

Speaking afterwards, Tim said: "Alok Sharm is right, I do like independent processes - but I like clean energy even more.

"If we're serious about reaching net zero and providing secure jobs for the future, then we need to stop digging coal and start seriously investing in renewable energy."