CARLISLE'S Green party has welcomed the news that a High Court judge gave the go-ahead for two legal challenges over the controversial new coal mine in West Cumbria. 

The decision to challenge, which came on May 19, follows the Government’s decision to grant planning permission for a new coal mine off the coast of Whitehaven.

Carlisle Green Party parliamentary candidate, Gavin Hawkton, welcomed the judge's announcement: "Beyond the clear environmental concerns, arguments in favor of the mine have notably unraveled over time.

"We have been told this coal is desperately needed, yet 83 per cent is expected to be shipped abroad, and with anticipated high sulphur content, there are limits to its potential with steelmaking.

"This is all at a time when the steel industry is rapidly investing in green production.

"The coal mines operational lifetime would itself exceed the UK steel industries target for reaching net zero emissions by 2035," he said. 

The decision has also been welcomed by Friends of the Earth and South Lakes Action on Climate Change (SLACC). 

"Sadly, we are held back by a regressive Conservative Party who are unwilling to truly invest in our future and level up the north.

"We should be creating skilled green jobs that would revitalise our area and help bring energy bills down.

"It is the lack of political will that is really holding us back here," he said. 

The landmark challenge is due to take place on June 21, with the company behind the Cumbrian mine intervening as an interested party.

Earlier this week, it was reported that a Supreme Court appeal over plans to allow oil drilling at Horse Hill in Surrey, brought by the appellant Sarah Finch, could set a precedent for the legality of approving new fossil fuel developments.