This week environmental protestors gathered in Whitehaven to voice their concerns on the now approved plans for a coal mine. 

Members of the Allerdale and Copeland Green Party were in attendance as were the west Cumbrian branch of Friends of the Earth, amongst others. 

They held a demonstration on Saturday, December 10, in opposition to Michael Gove's decision to approve the mine plans. 

Jill Perry, secretary of Allerdale and Copeland Green Party and shadow councillor on the Cumberland Authority said: "We were protesting because Michael Gove gave the decision late on Wednesday for the coal mine to go ahead. 

"The people at the protest and many more people including experts in the field think that it is a really bad idea. 

"There were around 100 people at the protest and I think it went really well. Considering how upset, depressed and angry we all are about the decision and what it means for future generations with carbon emissions and climate change, I think we were all quite jolly. 

"We started off with a series of protest songs which were sung by Wild Chorus and then I gave a speech on why the mine is a bad idea. Hazel Green then gave a speech on the attempts by the government to divide workers and environmentalists and how important it is that we stand together and fight for green jobs. 

"Finally a spokesperson from Friends of the Earth gave a speech on how we can carry on the fight."

READ MORE: Government approves plans for Whitehaven coal mine

Commenting on Levelling-Up Secretary Michael Gove’s go ahead for the Cumbria coal mine, Green Party of England and Wales co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:

“It’s a disgrace that this decision has been cynically delayed until just after we have ceased to hold the COP Presidency. This government really is the pits."

This will be the first coal mine for 30 years in the UK and according to the goverment it seeks to be 'net zero.' 

The highly controversial decision has been pushed back several times. 

Many local politicians and figures have showed their support for the decision arguing that it will bring more jobs to the area.