West Cumbria Mining

Environmental groups argue government's decision to frame coal mine as a 'local issue' turns blind eye to global impacts of burning coal, as calls grow for government to intervene while it still can

Letter to Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick warns new mine would raise UK emissions and could find it has no domestic market for its coal from 2035 onwards

But Kwasi Kwarteng defends decision not to intervene in controversial project, arguing it was up to local council to approve or reject the project

Decision not to intervene in planning process for coal mine draws widespread condemnation from politicians and green campaigners amid concerns over project's climate impact

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is considering whether to call in for review Cumbria Council's controversial approval for new coal mine

The mine will be operated by West Cumbria Mining and is expected to extract 2.4 million tonnes annually for use in industry, causing consternation among climate campaigners