Britain to Ban Coal Mines Under Miliband's Net Zero Plans
Ed Miliband, the Shadow Climate Change Secretary, has announced plans to ban coal mines in Britain.
The move is part of Labour's plans to reach net zero emissions by 2030.
Coal is the most polluting fossil fuel, and mining it has a devastating impact on the environment.
Opencast coal mining destroys habitats and can pollute water supplies.
Deep mining can cause subsidence and methane leaks.
Labour's plan would ban all new coal mines and phase out existing mines by 2030.
The plan would also invest in renewable energy and create new jobs in clean industries.
The plan has been welcomed by environmental groups, but criticized by some in the mining industry.
The National Union of Mineworkers said the plan would "devastate" mining communities.
However, Miliband said the plan was necessary to protect the environment and create a more sustainable future.
"We cannot afford to continue to rely on coal," he said.
"It is a dirty and polluting fuel that is damaging our planet."
The plan is part of Labour's wider plans to reach net zero emissions by 2030.
The party has also pledged to invest in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and public transport.
The plan has been welcomed by environmental groups, but criticized by some in the mining industry.
The National Union of Mineworkers said the plan would "devastate" mining communities.
However, Miliband said the plan was necessary to protect the environment and create a more sustainable future.
"We cannot afford to continue to rely on coal," he said.
"It is a dirty and polluting fuel that is damaging our planet."
