A CUMBRIAN MP has launched a scathing attack on the Labour Party after Cumbria

County Council announced it would reconsider plans for a new coal mine in West Cumbria.

Mark Jenkinson, who represents Workington, said the party had “sought to make the mine a political decision and put West Cumbrian jobs at risk”. 

Mr Jenkinson made the accusations via social media on Wednesday morning, following an appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Speaking to the Times & Star, Mr Jenkinson revealed he believed Ed Miliband’s appearance on the BBC last weekend had an impact on the mine’s future.

He said: “I think it’s a bit of a political decision. This mine was within hours of having approval granted, then Ed Miliband appeared on the BBC.

“I think it did have an impact, I really think there’s a political element, and I’m bitterly disappointed that it’s been made into a political decision. 

“This has been dragged out by Cumbria County Council for years. This would take a matter of months if it was a district council.

“What worries me is what it looks like to other investors. I think we’re taking the mickey when we’ve sent it back to committee for a fourth time.”

On Tuesday, Cumbria County Council announced it would reconsider the plans in light of “new information”. 

A spokesman for the council said: “This decision has been taken because in December 2020, the Government’s Climate Change Committee released its report on its recommendations for the Sixth Carbon Budget, a requirement under the Climate Change Act.

"The report, among other things, sets out the volume of greenhouse gases the UK aims to emit during 2033-2037.

“In light of this the council has decided that the planning application should be reconsidered.”

The move has been welcomed by campaigners who were concerned about the potential environmental impact of the mine.

Among them is former Labour leader Ed Miliband, now shadow business secretary. 

He said: “We welcome the council’s decision to take this application back to the planning committee. The Government now has a second chance to do the right thing and call it in. 

“The UK cannot claim to be a climate leader whilst opening a new coal mine and Ministers must realise that by doing so they undermine our credibility both at home and abroad.

“A new mine is neither the answer for climate change nor the answer for our steel industry. Indeed, 85 per cent of the mine’s production is due for export.

“People in Cumbria deserve good, secure jobs and there are so many crying out to be done in the green industries of the future. 

“That’s why Labour has called for a £30bn green recovery plan to protect and create jobs in communities across the country.”