South Lakes MP Tim Farron has hit back after Copeland’s mayor told him to “butt out” of West Cumbria.

The member for Westmorland and Lonsdale raised political hackles in the region after wading into the debate on plans for a £165m undersea mine 50 miles from his constituency.

West Cumbria Mining has been given permission to extract coking coal off the coast of St Bees, with a processing plant on the former Marchon site at Kells.

But Mr Farron has written to James Brokenshire, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, asking him to call in the county council planning decision to support the mine.

The former Liberal Democrat leader is backing climate change campaigners who want to see the mine ruling overturned.

He said: “It’s clear Mike Starkie is up for election in a few weeks. I’m sure outside the heat of an election he understands that climate change doesn’t respect some invisible boundary at Scafell Pike.

“I understand the need for jobs and investment on the west coast and have always supported the aims of various organisations promoting the Energy Coast.

“But I draw the line at fossil fuels.

"The climate catastrophe is the biggest issue that we face and for the sake of all our children and grandchildren we need to do everything we can to combat global warming.”

Mr Starkie had previously said:“I call on the people to sign to show that they support they support West Cumbria Mining project and the planning panel’s decision to give it the go ahead.

“Calling on people from all over West Cumbria to sign in support of West Cumbria Mining project will send out a clear message from the people who are most directly impacted by the development of the old Marchon site.

“A petition that has been launched against the mine and there has also been a request from MP Tim Farron to call the decision in.

“Tim Farron should concentrate on his own business and constituency, and butt out of West Cumbria. The people of West Cumbria, in a very large majority, are very much behind this mine.

“In West Cumbria we are fed up with people from outside the area telling us what is best for us.

"The mine project is potentially transformational and will significantly improve lives and prospects of the community in West Cumbria.”

However, four of Cumbria’s MPs have urged the Government to press ahead with the mine.

Copeland MP Trudy Harrison, Carlisle MP John Stevenson, MP for Penrith and Border Rory Stewart and Barrow MP John Woodcock have reiterated their support for the scheme in a joint letter to Mr Brokenshire.

The letter from the MPs said: “We strongly believe there are no grounds whatsoever for this decision to be called in.

“Cumbria County Council have said they cannot issue a formal decision notice until you have made your decision. This will obviously further delay this important and well-supported project.”

Meanwhile, Mr Starkie has this week set up a petition in support of the mine as environmental campaigners present a 1,500-signature Whitehall petition against the mine.