In reply to C Witter:
> I don't particularly want to get into a debate, to be honest, but the way I see it:
> a) there are many local people who are angry about this plan
Also many like the idea of new jobs.
> b) none of these politicians are seriously interested in solving the economic problems of West Cumbria
The people of Cumbria voted for them, so I'd expect they'd want to keep on the good side of voters, even if for purely selfish reasons. Who else is interesting in solving the issues?
> c) good jobs could be created in other ways that don't undermine the environment in which these workers live
The mine surface works are going to be built on the highly polluted old Marchon site, so it'll probably involve cleaning up the environment.
Could you outline the other ways of creating good jobs in the area?
> d) West Cumbria already has the destructive nuclear energy and weapons industries inflicted upon it, and these have hardly led to prosperity
Sellafield and BAE must directly employ nearly 15,000 people, with at least as many in the supply chain, plus those 15k well paid people buy cars, fitted kitchens, furniture and frequent shops, pubs and restaurants in the area. West Cumbria would be an economic wasteland without them.
> e) politicians have a "be grateful for what you get" attitude toward the area; recognising the real scarcity and poverty, they expect people to just roll over whenever there is the sniff of jobs on offer.
That's politicians for you.