Written Question·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·UIN 63470
Coal: Mining
Tabled: 27 June 2025
Answered: 7 July 2025
Question
Matt Bishop
Labour — Forest of Dean
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress his Department has made on bringing forward legislative proposals to amend the Coal Industry Act 1994 to prohibit new coal extraction licences; and if he will ensure that those
Answer
Michael ShanksOn 14 November 2024 we announced that we will introduce new legislation as soon as possible to restrict the future licensing of new coal mines. Under our plans, the historic rights of Freeminers in the Forest of Dean will be exempted and can continue.