Government Pushed to Vote on Banning New Coal Mines

Today [Monday 17th April], Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords will be pushing a vote on their amendment to the Energy Bill which would prevent the Government from opening new coal mines in England.

The amendment comes after the Government was criticised for their decision to approve the Cumbrian coal mine.

With Labour and the Crossbenchers signed on to back the amendment, the vote is expected to come down to a knife edge in the early evening on Monday the 17th.

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy in the House of Lords, Lord Teverson said:

“Opening new coal mines wrecks the good reputation that Britain has built up by cutting its emissions through renewable energy. We cannot allow this Conservative Government to tear the UK’s environmental credentials into shreds.

“First, Rishi Sunak couldn’t be bothered to attend COP27 before performing a U- turn. Now his Government is trashing our country's reputation as a world lead in cutting emissions. He does not represent the views of the public who want cheaper energy produced by green, clean projects.

"The Liberal Democrats are having to push the Government to a vote to stop any new coal mines as they seem incapable of making this commitment themselves.

“At COP26 in Glasgow, only a year and a half ago, the Government proudly announced that it was leading an international effort to end the use of coal. Since then it has turned its back on its international partners and is travelling in the opposite direction."

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Text of Amendment 131

LORD TEVERSON
BARONESS SHEEHAN
BARONESS BOYCOTT
LORD LENNIE

After Clause 264, insert the following new Clause—

“Prohibition of new coal mines
(1) Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must by regulations prohibit the opening of new coal mines and the licensing of new coal mines by the Coal Authority or its successors.

(2) Regulations under this section are subject to the affirmative procedure.”

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment will prevent the opening of new coal mines in England.