The announcement comes two months after the court canceled a new well project initiated by the previous (conservative) executive. The British (Labour) government announced on Thursday, November 14, that it would ban all new coal mining in the United Kingdom.
“New coal mining licenses will be banned”the British government announced in a press release, adding that “would introduce new legislation as soon as possible” in this sense.
In September, the British courts annulled the authorization granted by the previous government to the project to develop, in Whitehaven, in the northwest of England, what would have been the first new coal mine in thirty years in the United Kingdom. “The assumption that the proposed mine would not result in a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions (…) It is legally incorrect.”the Superior Court judge concluded in his decision.
Climate leadership
Shortly after coming to power in July, the Labor government refused to support this mining project in court, where it was rejected by environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs). “Energy produced from coal remains the main source of CO emissions2 related to energy on a global scale. Its phasing out is a crucial step in the fight against climate change.”the government recalled on Thursday in its press release.
The country also closed its last coal-fired power plant at the end of September, ending the use of the fuel in its electricity production, a first for a G7 member.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who aims to be at the forefront of climate diplomacy, revealed ambitious targets to reduce the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions at COP29 in Baku on Tuesday, which were greeted with caution by the NGO. In particular, the country has committed to reducing “at least 81%” greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 compared to 1990.
Since July, the new Labor government has already announced the end of the freeze on onshore wind development, the launch of new offshore wind and solar projects and a commitment to no longer grant offshore hydrocarbon exploration licenses in the North Sea . It must also launch a new public company with 8.3 billion pounds (10 billion euros) to finance its commitment to have carbon-free electricity by 2030.
