Hi John,

Great news: the government has announced it will intervene in the decision on a new climate-wrecking coal mine in Cumbria. They'd originally said it was up to the local council to decide, but after a serious backlash (that's all of us!) and receiving advice from their own climate change committee, they've decided to step in. [1]

This doesn't mean the mine is cancelled (yet), but it's a huge breakthrough!

The government said it plans to hold a planning inquiry to help decide the future of the coal mine. We hope the inquiry will further expose all the reasons why building this mine is bad news for people and the planet. [2]

But ultimately, the final decision will rest with the government.

When that time comes, we need to make sure the government makes the only sensible decision: stop plans for a new coal mine in Cumbria now - and commit to fully end the era of coal in the UK.

That's why we need to keep up the pressure. Can you add your name to the 148,000 calling for the government to finally put an end to coal in the UK?

This decision from the government didn't just happen on its own. Local action groups have been tirelessly campaigning against this climate-wrecking mine since plans first appeared in 2017. [3] These groups have been fighting against it in the teeth of the local council wanting the mine to go ahead.

Since then, thousands of people like you have joined the campaign by signing petitions, calling out the government on social media and getting the word out.

By working together - we've really helped hold the government to account on its climate promises. Thank you so much!

The future of the coal mine is still up in the air. Although the government might be saying the right things, it's important we make sure they follow through. [4]

Do you have a a minute to make sure the government follows through on their promise of a green recovery and rejects the coal mine?

Later this year the government will be hosting crucial climate talks. Inviting leaders from around the world to agree on how they plan to tackle the climate crisis.

Already the UK's reputation has been left muddied by failing to intervene earlier on the coal mine. And with plans still in the works to expand airports and a green homes programme left in ruins - there's still a long way to go before Boris Johnson can have the credibility to push others to take ambitious action. [5]

People are already experiencing the impacts of climate change. Rising seas and more frequent extreme weather events are putting tens of millions of lives around the world at risk. We can't afford any setbacks.

Can you add your name to help make sure the government shows its commitment to climate action and cancels the coal mine once and for all?

Ending coal is important to address the climate emergency. But at the same time nobody should be left with the choice between dirty jobs or no jobs at all.

Rather than chasing dirty jobs with no future, the government could be working with communities in Cumbria to bring investment in green energy and technologies. [6] Creating thousands of future-proofed jobs for areas that really need them. [7]

That's the kind of future we need coming out of the pandemic. Let's hold the government to it.

Thanks so much for all that you do,

Sam

Greenpeace UK

PS: In case this petition looks familiar to you, we're calling for the same action as our mates at Friends of the Earth, so that we can have as much joint impact as possible.

Notes:

[1] Robert Jenrick orders public inquiry into Cumbria coalmine

[2] It's 2021. Why is the government approving a new coal mine?

[3] These groups include West Cumbria & North Lakes Friends of the Earth, Keep Cumbria Coal in the Hole, and South Lakes Action on Climate Change, Climate Emergency West Cumbria.

[4] 'Compelling reasons' not to open Cumbrian coal mine, says Kwasi Kwarteng

[5] Five ways the UK is failing to walk the talk on a green recovery ahead of Cop26

[6] Green jobs in Cumbria could far surpass posts in coalmine, report says

[7] The Potential for Green Jobs in Cumbria

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