Plans for new British coal mine on hold

Plans to build the UK's first new deep coal mine in three decades are under public scrutiny after pressure from climate officials saying the project would "increase global emissions." Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government halted development of West Cumbria Mining's Woodhouse Colliery project in north-west England in October while deciding whether to withdraw the application or return the decision to local authorities. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick on Friday confirmed the government's decision to "withdraw" the controversial application and subject it to a public investigation. "The minister has decided to withdraw this motion based on further developments since his original decision," said a letter signed by Jenrick. "The Climate Change Committee (CCC) recommendations for the 6th carbon budget have been published since it was informed of this decision." Ministers were previously criticized for not blocking the coal mine, especially given the UK hosting the UN climate summit Cop26 in November. A few weeks ago one of the country's most renowned environmental scientists, Robert Watson, said it was "absolutely ridiculous" that the authorities refused to act. "The truth is, this mine is terrible for our fight against climate change, will not help our steel industry, and will not create secure jobs," Labor Party shadow economy minister Ed Miliband told Sky News. Cumbria City Council approved the Woodhouse Colliery mine in October, at which time Jenrick refused to intervene. That sparked concern at the CCC, who said the proposed coal mine would jeopardize Britain's mid-century goal of zero greenhouse gas pollution and damage the country's reputation as a climate leader. The proposed mine would produce 3.1 million tons of metallurgical coal annually by 2049, a year ahead of the date the country aims to achieve net zero emissions. While the UK will use some of this coal in its steel industry, 85% of it will be for export to Europe. During this period the mine will create 500 jobs, but the CCC also expects it to generate around 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents in emissions each year. "Of course, job creation is absolutely vital for the communities, but we have to look to the 21st century jobs, not back to declining industries," said Greenpeace UK Political Director Doug Parr. A study by the center-right think tank Bright Blue published in October shows that most Britons are skeptical about meeting the net-zero target by 2050. Greenpeace hailed the public inquiry announcement as "fantastic news and definitely better late than never". Friends of the Earth added it was "an amazing but very welcome turnaround" and called on the government to withhold approval for the project.