Readers have been having their say as a group of Extinction Rebellion protesters, dressed in white boiler suits and gas masks, turned up at Whitehaven on Tuesday to protest against plans for a coal mine in the area.

At the same time Extinction Rebellion London activists dropped stink bombs and let off green flares in the offices of Lloyds of London, the company expected to insure the Cumbrian mine.

One of the Cumbrian protesters, Gwen Harrison, said: “We demand that the Government acts on its rhetoric and stops the Cumbrian coal mine.”

The mine was originally approved by Cumbria County Council, but was then postponed to be considered by a public inquiry in September 2021.

The Mayor of Copeland, Mike Starkie, said: “I’m confident that when the evidence is presented, the inquiry will recommend that the mine proceeds.”

Here’s what you, the readers, had to say.

Debbie Herbert said: “I hope they protest at the climate summit bringing attention to the hypocrisy.”

Mike Robinson said: “we want the mine we need jobs.”