A LEADING Labour politician says the approval of a new coal mine for west Cumbria ‘sends the wrong message’.

Jonathan Reynolds, shadow work and pensions secretary, spoke with the News & Star after he met with volunteers at Carlisle Community Help on Wednesday about the work they have done throughout the pandemic.

After the virtual meeting, Mr Reynolds aired his views on the proposed coal mine for west Cumbria.

The £165 million mine, which is expected to create around 500 jobs, was given the green light by Cumbria County Council in October. It would be the UK’s first deep coal mine in 30 years.

“I come from a mining area, so I have very much lived with and built relationships with communities built around coal mining and what it meant to whole families when the mines disappeared,” explained Mr Reynolds.

“So I have a very historic and personal connection to coal mining.”

Mr Reynolds said he also had members of his family involved in the coalmine industry in the past.

He explained that he had not studied the project in great detail but was clear on his initial thoughts.

“I am worried by the message this sends for the future,” he said.

“We should be wary of anything that looks to the past rather than the future.”

During his virtual visit to Carlisle Mr Reynolds praised the work of volunteers who are helping to provide affordable food to those that need it.

Mr Reynolds met with people including the founder of the group Lisa Brown, Deborah Earl, Cumbria County Councillor for Harraby South and cabinet member for public health and community services who has supported the team throughout the pandemic and Craig Dryden, who has created the group’s website among other tasks.

He also heard from Jo Jones who is spearheading the LookOut community hub in Raffles.

They all explained how the group had progressed from providing a safety net to those cut off by the first coronavirus lockdown, to one that now has half a dozen affordable food hubs across the city.

He said Labour would look to address the problems head-on to ensure there was no need for groups like Carlisle Community Help.