Decision to approve the Whitehaven coal mine

Early day motion 684, tabled 8 December 2022 by Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 14 members.

That this House deplores the Government’s decision to approve a new coal mine in Whitehaven, Cumbria; believes that it damages the United Kingdom’s international reputation and sets a terrible example of climate leadership; recognises that, while the coal mine will create 500 time-limited jobs, the Local Government Association estimate 6,000 green jobs could be created in Cumbria by 2030; understands that British Steel and Tata Steel have no plans to purchase coal from the mine and that 87 per cent of the coking coal produced will be exported; and demands that the Government reverses its decision to approve the Whitehaven coal mine and invests in green, renewable jobs in Cumbria to provide secure, long-term employment.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Labour 2, Scottish National Party 2, Alliance 1, Green 1, Independent 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.