South Ribble MP backing proposed new coal mine

Katherine Fletcher MP is backing the proposed coal mine

MP for South Ribble Katherine Fletcher has spoken out in support of a proposed new coal mine in Cumbria.

The announcement of the new metallurgical coal mine in Whitehaven was made last week.

It would be the only net zero metallurgical coking coal mine in the world.

Those behind the proposals say the development itself ‘would have an overall neutral effect on climate change, would not cause any unacceptable impacts on ecology, or result in a net loss of biodiversity’.

Katherine said: “I was pleased to speak in support of this announcement during the Minister’s statement this week.

“Colleagues and I welcomed a decision to open a new coking coal mine in Whitehaven creating 500 skilled jobs. We’re proud of our historic and current skills here in Lancashire and the North West.

“Some people are worried that this is not compatible with our net zero climate commitments but this is not the case.

“This is not the type of coal for burning in houses or power stations to make electricity.

“The only way in the world to make steel at the moment and likely for decades is to use a specialist type of coal called coking coal. Currently our steel plants import about one million tonnes of it from Russia, Canada and other areas.

“We are now going to be able to mine it here in the North West and save on the emissions of the big ships that bring it here, as well as secure our domestic steel industry from Russian threat.”