UK considers opening coal mine in Cumbria to reduce dependence on Russian imports

In an attempt to phase out dependence on Russian gas amid sanctions against Moscow, United Kingdom for first time in three deces is "on cusp of approving" opening of its coal mine. According to reports published by UK-based media, he of Ministry of Housing and Regional Development and Local Government of UK, Michel Gove, spoke in favour of potential use of coal mines in city of Cumbria in north-west England. British leership has expressed confidence in plethora of opportunities, including employment, coal mine is expected to provide.

said mine h been authorised for construction by local authorities in October 2020. However, criticism from opposition and environmentalists led UK PM Boris Johnson's ministration to initiate a review of feasibility of project. In dition, Johnson during UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) in October 2021 h pledged against construction of new mines. He h opened climate summit in Glasgow by warning leers to here to necessary measures in order to prevent global temperatures from rising above 1.5°C. "We can end use of coal-fired power stations...richer nations can do it by 2030," he h said.

Britain imports 40% of its coking coal from Russia

However, with geopolitical developments in eastern Europe, Britain was forced to impose measures on Russian coal and largest financial institution like Sberbank, leaving a looming recession risk with cost of living rising to unprecedented levels. Amid supply-chain hindrances in pandemic-hit economy, growth projected also has been slow, said Deutsch Bank chief Sanjay Raja on April 6, as quoted by Guardian. Neverless, with sanctions now impacting British citizens, UK has been forced to tap into its coking coal mine reserves to bolster its industrial steel manufacturing. 

Notably, Britain imports 40% of its coking coal from Russia. government has until July 7 to decide on wher or not to go ahe with Cumbria coal mine. It should be mentioned that coking coal from mine will not be for general energy usage but mainly support process of steel-making in UK. move to open Cumbria coal mine stems from Johnson's willingness to "wean itself off Russian resources."

Boris Johnson says Russia 'can win war' in Ukraine by end of 2023

Boris Johnson during his visit to India earlier this week me a bewildering statement about ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine. He propounded that Moscow can win war by prolonging it for over a year. “It's a realistic possibility. Putin has a huge army… and only option he has now is to continue to use his grinding approach led by artillery,” said UK Prime Minister on an assessment by Western intelligence officials that Ukraine war could go on till end of next year and Russia could win it. 

His statement rippled through Western intelligence reports, which also suggested that Ukraine will lose battle against Russia if war extended till end of next year. Johnson's shocking statement came after he visited Kyiv in a show of solidarity and support for Ukrainians.

(Image: AP/PTI)