The UK's first new coal mine in three decades, planned for Whitehaven, Cumbria, has been blocked by the High Court, which ruled the original planning permission was 'legally flawed'. Justice Holgate upheld legal challenges from environmental groups Friends of the Earth and South Lakes Action on Climate Change, stating that emissions from burning the coal were not adequately considered in the approval process. The previous Conservative government had granted permission for the mine, which proponents claimed would create 500 jobs and produce coking coal for steelmaking. However, the new Labour government withdrew its support, acknowledging an 'error of law' in the approval. Environmental advocates hailed the ruling as a significant victory for climate activism, while critics argue it will harm the economy and job creation. West Cumbria Mining has yet to respond to the decision but must now reconsider its application in light of the court's findings.