Ed Davey and Ed Miliband attack Cumbrian coal mine plans

Last week, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, wrote to President of of the COP26 Climate Change Conference Alok Sharma, urging him to resign over the issue.

DISPUTE: Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey (left) and Mayor Mike Starkie

Last month, it was reported that Mr Sharma clashed with communities secretary Robert Jenrick over Mr Jenrick's decision not to call in the application.

On Sunday, Labour's Shadow Business Secretary, Ed Miliband, also criticised the plans.

The former Labour Leader appeared on the BBC's Andrew Marr show, and was pressed for his thoughts on the mine.

Mr Miliband said: "We can't be opening new coal mines and then claiming to be a big climate leader in our country.

"The Government is hosting a very important summit in November, the COP 26 on international climate change.

"We're going to be saying to other countries, you can't open coal mines, and then the government comes along and says 'we're going to open a new coal mine ourselves'. We have got to find alternatives."

Copeland's Mayor, Mike Starkie, blasted Mr Miliband's comments on Facebook.

He wrote: "This is a perfect example of why Labour have not got a single MP in Cumbria and lost seats in Copeland and Workington that they had held for generations. They do not support jobs or investment in West Cumbria.

"The coal to be extracted from the Whitehaven mine will be coking coal to be used exclusively for the production of steel.

"Much is being made of the climate conference to be held in the U.K. later this year.

"I believe the Prime Minister can stand on the stage and be justifiably proud of the progress this country has made, as we are reducing emissions faster than any of the leading economies."

Mayor of Copeland Mike Starkie - North Shore Development ..Pic Tom Kay Tuesday 10th April 2018 50090100T008.JPG.