The fact that a new coalmine will be the source of massive carbon emissions in a region that has experienced some of the worst floods in living memory, attributable to global heating, is a terrible indictment of generational policy failures (UK’s first new coalmine for 30 years gets go-ahead in Cumbria, 7 December).
Cumbria should have been the centre of a vibrant renewable energy sector, recognising the historical decline of both nuclear and coal. Instead, local working people are turned into economic conscripts for a dead industry.
The main trade unions should issue a joint statement condemning this decision and calling for a green new deal that provides skilled work in the post-carbon economy for all regions that have been the victims of the “levelling flat” agenda.
Steven Schofield
Bradford
• Your article (‘We need the jobs’: Cumbrians divided over new coalmine, 7 December) states that “support for the mine in Whitehaven comes from politicians of every party locally”. This is untrue. Allerdale and Copeland Green party has consistently and vigorously opposed the mine since this unholy idea was first mooted – through writing letters, making representations, gathering expert witness, providing evidence to the planning inquiry, attending rallies and talking to other people living in the area.
It is a pity that this activity has not registered sufficiently to be worthy of mention. We look to the Guardian to uphold our struggle in this matter as the bleakest of futures beckons ever closer.
Keith Fitton
Chair and coordinator, Allerdale and Copeland Green party
• Caroline Lucas reflects our shock and indignation well (Have no doubt: opening a coalmine in Cumbria is a climate crime against humanity, 7 December), but misses the main point. It’s a clumsy political trap set by another sunset organisation, the Tory party. The coal will in all probability never be dug, so if the incoming Labour government formally cancels the project, the Tories will be able to accuse them of being job destroyers. If they don’t, the Tories will do a volte-face and label the Labour party as climate busters. Neat.
There have been some other similar cases (in health and transport) over the past few weeks. As the Tories retreat in disgrace and ignominy, will the Guardian begin a log of these not-so-subtle landmines being sown?
Dr Chris Haughton
Preesall, Lancashire
• Interesting that the “levelling down” secretary, Michael Gove, should claim that the opening of the first coalmine in the UK for 30 years would carbon neutral. This is the same person who stated that Brexit would bring £350m per week to the NHS. I look forward to him solving the housebuilding crisis with his special pixie dust and food bank shortages with five loaves and two fishes.
Gary Nethercott
Woodbridge, Suffolk
• When the Somerset Levels are underwater in future years, at least my descendants will be able to go boating on the Sea of Gove. A number of wind turbines could be sited there as, being offshore, they will not be blighting the landscape. I suggest a statue of the sea’s creator on the nearest bit of dry land for people to deface.
Liz Fairhurst
Banstead, Surrey
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