South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called for ministers to bury plans for a new coal mine in Cumbria.

After the plans were approved by Cumbria County Council back in March, Mr Farron wrote to the Secretary of State to call the decision in.

Proposals have now stalled, and he is urging Government to put the plans to bed.

During a debate on climate change in Parliament, Mr Farron said: “If we’re serious about tackling climate change, we need to keep fossil fuels in the ground.

“And to that end, will she agree with me that the proposals for a West Cumbria coal mine should be cancelled, will she speak to her friend the Secretary of State for Local Government to whom I have written."

“And will she instead commit Government money from the Northern Powerhouse to create renewable energy jobs in West Cumbria instead.”

In response, the Energy Secretary Andrea Leadsom said she was delighted that the UK had moved from a 40 per cent reliance on coal to just 5% today.