THE elected mayor of Copeland has invited Ed Miliband to a debate after Labour condemned the Government’s decision to approve a new coal mine in west Cumbria.

Britain’s first coal mine in decades was given the go-ahead by Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove on December 7,  after years of dispute over whether the project should go ahead.

Mr Miliband, the shadow climate change secretary, described the decision as “terrible” for the economy, climate and energy policy.

He pledged to visit Whitehaven to discuss the green jobs market, which he says has “massive potential”.

Mike Starkie, the elected mayor of Copeland, has now asked Mr Miliband to join him for a debate during his visit to discuss their differing opinions.

In a letter to the former leader of the Labour party, Mr Starkie described himself as a “strong advocate” for the mine and said the decision had been “hugely welcomed”.

Mr Starkie said: “This decision will transform our area, bringing much needed jobs and investment.

“My unequivocal support for the mine remains and I look forward to the substantial number of modern jobs being created and, the millions of pounds of direct and indirect investment into Copeland.

“I am aware of Labour’s position regarding the mine, and I am also very aware that you have stated that a Labour government would seek to ensure the mine does not open and will instead deliver new green jobs that people in Cumbria deserve.

“I understand that you are planning to visit the area in the near future and would ask if you would consider joining me for a debate, attended exclusively by Copeland residents, to discuss our differing opinions. This would be a chance for you to articulate your views and that of your party. 

“I will also set out why I am an avid supporter of the mine, and the many benefits it will bring to Copeland, Cumbria, and the UK.”

Speaking after the decision was announced earlier this month, Mr Miliband said: "A new coal mine is a terrible decision economically, for our energy policy, and for our climate.

"These jobs won’t be sustained because of the potential fall-off in demand for coking coal, won’t help the steel industry and will betray future generations.

“Labour will deliver real solutions not false promises for the people of Cumbria. The demand for good, well-paid, sustainable jobs is one we hear loud and clear.

"Cumbria is a place of massive potential for thousands of green jobs of the future – from green hydrogen and offshore wind to nuclear and home insulation - as multiple reports have highlighted.

"But those jobs have not been delivered under this Conservative government.

“A Labour government will deliver for all parts of Cumbria. That is why I have talked to Mark Fryer, who will take up the leadership of the council in April, and we have agreed that Labour will work with the council on how we can make these jobs happen. I will personally visit to discuss these plans.”

The £160million Woodhouse Colliery off the coast of Whitehaven will remove coking coal from beneath the Irish Sea for the production of steel.

The developer, West Cumbria Mining, say the scheme will create 500 jobs and help slash the need to import foreign coal.

But environmental campaigners, including Friends of the Earth, have strongly opposed the mine, saying it will increase carbon emissions and damage the UK’s climate credibility.

READ MORE: Whitehaven coal mine 'life changing' for locals, says Copeland Mayor