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Whitehaven coal mine plans: Calls to press ahead with project as need for jobs 'desperate'

The mayor of Copeland believes plans shouldn't fall victim to the prime minister's ambitions to be a climate change leader.

The project is planned for a site near Whitehaven. Pic: West Cumbria Mining
Image: The project is planned for a site near Whitehaven. Pic: West Cumbria Mining
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Controversial plans for a new coal mine in Cumbria shouldn't fall victim to Boris Johnson's ambitions to be a global leader on the climate, according to the mayor of the area where it would be built.

His comments were made as the UK prepares to host a G7 meeting in Cornwall of the world's most powerful leaders.

And amidst speculation the prime minister wants G7 heads to use the summit to commit to helping developing countries decarbonise their economies.

The row over the mine near Whitehaven in Cumbria illustrates the challenges faced by Mr Johnson - balancing the need for new jobs at the same time as telling the world to end its reliance on fossil fuels.

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Mike Starkie, mayor of Copeland, said: "If he sets an objective in that conference to every other country to get to where this country is now environmentally we'll take a huge leap forward. But we've got to have a balanced approach."

The mayor disagrees with environmentalists who say no new coal mines should be opened whatever the type of coal and that coal from overseas mines should be used up first.

Coking coal - which the proposed new mine would produce - is needed for the making of steel and cement in the UK and would otherwise have to be imported.

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He said: "This country has led the way in a reduction of burning (thermal) coal for electricity.

"We're way ahead of the rest of the world. If other countries can get to the situation we're already in, in terms of not burning coal for electricity, the world will take a huge step forward."

The saga over whether the mine should be opened or not has dragged on for years - and might never have drawn much international attention and controversy had Britain not been positioning itself as a global leader on climate change.

Later this year the UK will host the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.

The mayor of Copeland said the Prime Minister&#39;s ambitions  to be a global leader on the climate shouldn&#39;t halt plans to open the coal mine in Cumbria
Image: Boris Johnson is preparing to host the G7 summit in Cornwall

The government faced intense criticism for failing to intervene in the planning row - eventually, it was decided there will be a public inquiry.

But all the prevarication is hugely frustrating for local people in Whitehaven where the vast majority of the community seem to be behind the mine and the investment and jobs it will bring.

"It's very annoying. Everybody is interfering," said Billy McCracken who was a miner for 25 years.

"The county council said open it up. Then other people say no close it. I'll throw them in the dock," he says gesturing towards the harbour.

"Get it open ASAP," says his friend John Robinson, describing the need for jobs as "desperate".

But environmentalists say an investment plan to secure more green jobs is needed in such a rural county.

On the other side of Cumbria, Sky News visited the speciality paper mill James Cropper PLC which employs 600 people.

They manufacture paper for high-end products; produce plastic-free packaging and recycle coffee cups.

But the same technology is being developed to make components for hydrogen fuel cells - a growth area for a business dating back to the 1800s.

Phil Wild, chief executive of James Cropper PLC, said: "We're ahead of the curve, we're building products that go into hydrogen.

"We also manufacture products that go into wind energy as well.

"A few years ago those didn't exist but we've invested in those because we felt it was the right thing to do but what we're looking for is an investment for other people to follow suit as well."

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The paper mill is also involved in a community energy project which organisers say is an example of how not just businesses but communities can help to reduce emissions and build green initiatives for the future.

But they too need greater government support.

On the roof of the paper mill, there are solar panels bought by local people.

The paper mill pays for the energy the panels produce which makes a small profit for the community to plough back into community projects such as solar panels for the village school.

Phil Davies, co-founder of Burneside Community Energy Project, said: "Our mission is to reduce carbon emissions and benefit the community. But even projects like this are complex to set up.

"We need more help in terms of regulation and in the financial arena to get this going in every community."