'Totally unacceptable': Anger as government approves first UK coal mine in 30 years

James Murray
clock • 6 min read
'Totally unacceptable': Anger as government approves first UK coal mine in 30 years

Government argues coal mine would be compatible with net zero goals, but MPs across political spectrum condemn move as a 'backward step' for UK climate action

"Absolutely indefensible", "a ridiculous and dreadful decision", and a move that "further cements Rishi Sunak as an out of date fossil fuel PM in a renewable age". Those were just a few of the initial...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

More on Policy

Iran War: Report calls for summer of electrification to help tackle fossil fuel shock

Iran War: Report calls for summer of electrification to help tackle fossil fuel shock

As a new analysis suggests 'back-to-back' energy crises have cost households £4,800 since 2021, Nesta urges government to fast-track policies that can curb electricity prices

James Murray
clock 27 April 2026 • 6 min read
Government urged to consider one-off soil improvement scheme to offset Iran war input costs

Government urged to consider one-off soil improvement scheme to offset Iran war input costs

CAAV adviser Jeremy Moody warns arable farmers may decide not to plant crops for harvest 2027

Jane Thynne, Farmers Guardian
clock 24 April 2026 • 2 min read
The government's push to decouple UK electricity and gas prices is long overdue

The government's push to decouple UK electricity and gas prices is long overdue

If Miliband wants to leave an enduring green legacy, lowering essential costs for those most in need must be his primary aim, writes Bright Blue's Cyril Davydenko

Cyril Davydenko, Bright Blue
clock 24 April 2026 • 4 min read