The News & Star readers have responded to the decision on West Cumbria's proposed new coal mine has been delayed again.

The Government has now set a deadline of November 8 to make a final decision on the controversial scheme, which would see coking coal extracted from beneath the Irish Sea off the coast of Whitehaven.

Greg Clark, who last month replaced Michael Gove as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, was due to make a decision next week. 

But key stakeholders have received a letter from the Government this week confirming a further delay.

Here's what you had to say. 

Niall Mitchell said: "This would be an ideal time for someone to go to war with us or a national emergency or financial collapse due to no one being in charge, no one making decisions."

Richard Harrison said: "Get on with it, get it approved and support the UK.  It’ll save on climate issues."

Karen Addison said: "Can someone explain why we need coal?"

Micky Armstrong said: "Would it have anything to do with it being in the north of England."

Gareth High said: "Of course it has, Michael Gove was giving the decision, he got the sack."

Dale Hetherington said: "What an utter joke, can't organise the country."

The letter says: “This is a complex matter and officials are not yet in a position to complete their considerations prior to providing advice to Ministers.

“In these circumstances, given the imminent decision date, an additional period of time is required. Planning Ministers will therefore not be in a position to reach a decision on this application by the previously notified date.

“As a consequence, the Secretary of State has varied the timetable previously set and he will now issue his decision on or before November 8, 2022. We aim to issue the decision as quickly as possible.”