THE Westminster government must follow Scotland’s example in ending support for coal extraction, the Scottish Greens have said amid the ongoing Cop27 climate summit in Egypt.

Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater announced last month that the Scottish government was opposed to any new coal extraction.

The Westminster government in contrast is considering an application for a new coalmine in Cumbria in an upcoming decision which has been postponed more than once. 

But the decision will now reportedly be made on or before December 8, which is after Cop27, the Scottish Greens said.

Scottish Greens environment spokesman Mark Ruskell MSP said: “Warm words are not enough. 

“If we are to avert climate catastrophe then it will need real and decisive action.

“[PM] Rishi Sunak may talk about the importance of renewables but if the UK government approves a major new coalmine then it will speak far louder. 

“It would be disastrous for our environment and for the UK’s international obligations and reputation.
 
“With Scottish Greens in government, we have made clear that we will oppose any new coal extraction in Scotland.”