Caroline Flint MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, commenting on the Government’s announcement regarding the collieries at Kellingley and Thoresby, said:

“The Government’s announcement today has confirmed that Kellingley and Thoresby face imminent closure. Dithering and delays by ministers on support for these pits has meant that with every passing week the sum of money required has increased, and not enough has been done to support the workers to retrain and find employment.

“The Government must now turn its attention to the workforce and communities. We need to see a full package to support employment, and the economic and social needs of the communities in which these pits have played such an important role.”