The High Court have agreed to hear two legal challenges in relation to the Government's decision to allow the development of a coal mine in West Cumbria.
The two groups making the legal challenges are South Lakes Action on Climate Change (SLACC) and Friends of the Earth, which are both being made on the grounds that the then Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, failed to account for the climate impacts when making a decision on the mine.
The judge has said that the cases will now be heard at a "rolled up" hearing, which is the same as a trial in practice. It is thought the case will take place in the summer or autumn and will last for around three days.
Tony Bosworth, a Friends of the Earth campaigner has commented: "We're delighted the court agrees that our legal challenge against this mine deserves to be heard.
"We believe the Secretary of State made significant climate-related errors when he granted planning permission for this development, and that his decision was unlawful.
"With climate breakdown accelerating even faster than scientists predicted, it's more important than ever that ministers’ decisions reflect the long-term interests of people and the planet, and not misguided short-term political considerations."
Maggie Mason from SLACC has said: "This is a positive and sensible decision. Having looked at the submitted papers, the Court has decided it is worth scheduling a three-day hearing on SLACC and Friends of the Earth's legal challenges.
"SLACC members and supporters will observe the Finch versus Surrey County Council Hearing in June, and hope that the death and destruction caused by burning oil and gas will, in future, be taken into account before any new mines and oil wells are given planning permission."
