WELSH Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds has joined a protest outside of Cardiff Civil and Family Court today demanding plans to expand a coal mine in Wales are scrapped.
Protestors have been calling for the plans to expand the Aberpergwm Coal Mine near Neath to be stopped.
In January 2022 approval was given for another 40 million tonnes of coal to be dug at the site.
The courts are currently hearing a judicial review on the future of the site. There has also been disagreements between the UK and Welsh Government’s over who would have responsibility over vetoing any expansion.
Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: “We are in a climate emergency and every single day we dig up more fossil fuels brings us another day closer to irreversible damage.
“Whether it is Labour or the Conservatives’ responsibility, it doesn’t matter, this coal should stay in the ground.
“The Welsh Liberal Democrats are also clear that local people shouldn’t lose out and former mining communities in Wales should be at the very top of the list when it comes to investment in new green industries such as green hydrogen and steel. The Welsh and UK governments must outline plans to do this immediately and avoid repeating the mistakes of Margaret Thatcher.”
