News and Star readers have been reacting to the news the Copeland mayor, Mike Starkie has invited shadow environment secretary Ed Miliband to debate west Cumbria mine decision.

Britain’s first coal mine in decades was given the go-ahead by Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove on December 7, after years of dispute over whether the project should go ahead.

Mr Miliband, the shadow climate change secretary, described the decision as “terrible” for the economy, climate and energy policy.

He pledged to visit Whitehaven to discuss the green jobs market, which he says has “massive potential”.

Mike Starkie, the elected mayor of Copeland, has now asked Mr Miliband to join him for a debate during his visit to discuss their differing opinions.

Paul Caine said: “It's disappointing that Labour appears to be against the opening of this mine, despite coming through 4 years of scrutiny.

“Creating jobs, low carbon coking coal for the local market, rather than Poland or China.”

Whilst another reader disagreed saying “The mine isn't happening and the Conservatives know this

“Once it ends up in court, the decision by Gove will be declared illegal. The mass debate ploy is a finger pointing exercise for when the inevitable happens.”

Lolly said: “Why is there a need for further debate on this issue?

“I think there are many other topics that urgently need debated with local politicians: the fact you can’t get a doctor’s appointment, the fact we are shipping patients down the A595 to Carlisle because so many services at the West Cumberland Hospital have been removed and the difficulties people are facing paying their food and energy bills.”

 

READ MORE: Cumbria's health boss Colin Cox on grappling with Covid-19