UK Government Admits Approval of Cumbria Coal Mine Was Unlawful

Legal challenges and environmental concerns force a reconsideration of the controversial project.

The new UK government has withdrawn its defense of the Whitehaven coal mine approval.
Environmental groups argue the coal mine's emissions were not properly assessed.
A High Court hearing will still proceed as the developer, West Cumbria Mining, intends to defend the project.
The Supreme Court previously ruled that emissions from burning fossil fuels must be considered in planning approvals.
The decision follows the quashing of another fossil fuel project in the Lincolnshire Wolds.