Cumbrian coal mine would be ‘carte blanche’ for polluters – former minister. Chris Skidmore said approving the proposed coal mine near Whitehaven would send the wrong message to other countries. Chris Skidmore, who served as energy minister in 2019 and signed the UK’s binding commitment to reach net zero by 2050, said approving the new mine near Whitehaven would undermine the UK’s position as a global leader on climate change. He told the PA news agency: “If we’re going to be international leaders on net zero, international leaders on the back of our achievements at Cop26, the UK can’t suddenly decide then we’re going to open up a new coal (mine) at Whitehaven because of the message that then sends to the Chinese or any other countries.
Independent 19th May 2022 read more »