An amendment to the energy bill currently going through the House of Lords means that it will not be possible to open a new coalmine in England.
The amendment may still be reversed in the House of Commons, but it marks the growing frustration of politicians as they press the government to move faster and harder on the climate crisis.
Liberal Democrat peers tabled an amendment to the energy bill which decrees that within six months of the energy security act being passed, the secretary of state has to ban the opening or licensing of new coalmines.
The vote was won by just three votes at 197-194, after the amendment was backed by Labour and crossbencher peers.
The government has recently been criticised for green-lighting a new coalmine in Cumbria, which experts have said would add to the difficulties of meeting the UK’s net zero goals.
The amendment reads: “Within six months of the day on which this act is passed, the secretary of state must by regulations prohibit the opening of new coalmines and the licensing of new coalmines by the Coal Authority or its successors.”
For the amendment to be removed, the government will have to table another amendment in the Commons to get rid of it.
Liberal Democrat spokesperson for energy in the House of Lords, Lord Teverson said: “This is a fantastic win for the Liberal Democrats, with the passage of our amendment stopping this Conservative government from opening new coalmines which tear the UK’s environmental credentials into shreds.
“Now we need MPs from all parties to come together to represent the views of the public who want cheaper energy produced by green, clean projects.
“At Cop26 in Glasgow, only a year and a half ago, the government proudly announced that it was leading an international effort to end the use of coal. We must hold them to this when the energy bill reaches the House of Commons.”
Climate minister Graham Stuart has firmly backed the opening of the Cumbrian coalmine, recently telling the all-party parliamentary group for the environment that he firmly supported it. He said a more nuanced take on fossil fuels is required “rather than viewing all fossil fuels as the spawn of the devil”.
The Lords also voted to include a climate mandate for energy regulator Ofgem. Dr Doug Parr, policy director at Greenpeace UK, said: “Creating a climate mandate for Ofgem really is essential for delivering a cheaper, cleaner, more secure energy system. Too many cheap renewable projects are being held back by the snail’s pace of connection to the relevant networks, flowing from the outdated rules that govern what can and can’t be done.
“Should the government wisely choose to accept the changes the Lords have made, the grid and other network companies will be pushed to unlock the full potential of renewable energy. If the Lords have seen this opportunity today, then their vote offers the government a chance to wake up and see the same.”
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has been contacted for comment.
