Michael Gove has been invited to Whitehaven next month as a final decision on plans for a new coal mine is due to be made.

Mike Starkie, mayor of Copeland, has written to the levelling-up secretary, asking him to visit the town on December 2, “to hopefully announce the approval of the mine”.

Mr Gove is set to decide whether or not to approve the proposed new coal mine off the coast of Whitehaven on or before December 8.

The deadline has been pushed back several times from early July to mid-August. The Planning Inspectorate's report has been with the government since April.

In his letter to the secretary of state, Mr Starkie said: “I write once again to stress the huge importance of a positive decision to approve.

“The environmental credentials of the mine will mean it will be the most environmentally efficient mine in the world. 

“Producing high quality coking coal is essential for the production of steel and for which demand will continue to increase for some considerable time to come.

“It seems ridiculous that we would be importing coal from around the world when it can be produced here in Whitehaven, not to mention the unprecedented economic boost for our area. 

“The mine, which enjoys both huge public and political support from both main parties locally, fits perfectly with the government’s levelling up agenda and importantly is 100 per cent funded by private investment.

“The case for approval is absolutely compelling and I would urge granting that approval at the earliest opportunity."

Mr Starkie goes on to say that the approval would be “the best news the residents of West Cumbria have received in a generation”.

He said he would also like to discuss a devolution deal for Cumbria with Mr Gove as the vesting date of the two new unitary councils approaches in April 2023. 

Environmental campaigners, including Friends of the Earth, have strongly opposed the mine, saying it would increase carbon emissions and damage the UK’s climate credibility.

Friends of the Earth campaigner, Tony Bosworth, said: “Coking coal is not essential to steel production.

“Steelmakers across Europe are moving away from coal to greener production. And in the UK, British Steel has said it is not lobbying for the mine to be built. The reality is that demand for the mine’s coal is not set to increase – in fact, it’s already declining.

“The evidence against this mine is overwhelming. It would increase carbon emissions, its market is already starting to decline, and it won’t eliminate the need for imported coal.

“We need sustainable growth as we transition to a greener economy and the new jobs this will bring. Areas like west Cumbria must be at the heart of this."

READ MORE: West Cumbria coal mine decision delayed for a third time