Michael Gove's remark over Cumbria coal project causes Commons suspension

Cabinet minister Michael Gove said that approving the controversial Cumbria coal mine was the right thing to do. He was requested to provide copies of his statement but said that he could not do that as parts of his statement were adlibbed. The action in the Commons had to be suspended after a ruckus.

A debate ensued over the failure to provide a copy of the statement to the opposition MPs and Labour’s shadow ministers. The Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, suspended the debate, saying that this was not the way to do good government.

The remarks were later typed up. Sir Lindsay expressed his dismay at the government not following the ministerial code of showing a copy of the text to the Opposition 45 minutes before it was made.


Michael Gove apologised to the Speaker and the House, saying that he did not intend any discourtesy and appreciated the importance of ministerial courtesies.

Michael Gove's Controversial Statement

Before the row started, Gove claimed that the Cumbria coal coking mine to be used by the steel industry would be net zero compliant. He also stated that the mine would create 500 jobs, significantly contributing to the local economy. The decision to approve the mine has faced stiff opposition from the members of the Opposition, scientists and environmentalists.

FAQs:

1. Will the mine increase UK greenhouse gas emissions?
   It is expected that the mine will increase the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 0.4 million tonnes yearly, equivalent to around 200,000 cars.
2. How much coal will be extracted from the mine?
   The approved plans project an extraction of nearly 2.8 million tonnes of coal annually from the mine.