Boris Johnson refuses to apologize for saying Thatcher gave the UK an ‘early start’ in the fight against climate change by shutting down coal mines – as backlash grows | UK news

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Boris Johnson refused to apologize after saying that Margaret Thatcher gave the UK a “big early start” in its fight against climate change when it shut down its coal mines in the 1980s.

The prime minister’s official spokesman told reporters that Mr Johnson was aware of the “huge impact and pain” of the coal closures – but did not confirm whether he would say sorry for the comment.

But Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer called on the prime minister to apologize “immediately” and accused the Conservative government of not caring “for societies that continue to suffer from the devastating effects of Margaret Thatcher’s cruel actions”.

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Butcher: Thatcher gave the UK an ‘early start’ on climate

The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign accused the prime minister of trying to “rewrite history”.

The prime minister made the remark during a visit to Scotland on Thursday, when asked if he would set a deadline for ending fossil fuel extraction.

“Look at what we’ve already done,” he said. “We’ve moved away from coal in my life.”

“Thanks to Margaret Thatcher, who closed many coal mines across the country, we had a great early start and we’re now moving quickly away from coal completely.”

More on Margaret Thatcher

According to the Daily Record, the prime minister laughed when he referred to Mrs. Thatcher, whose time in Downing Street (1979-90) was highlighting the 1984-5 miners’ strike.

Reportedly, Mr Johnson added: “I thought it would help you move forward.”

Pressing on the matter, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister is aware of the huge impact and immense pain of the coal closure on communities across the UK.

“This government has an ambitious plan to tackle the critical issue of climate change, which includes reducing dependence on coal and other non-renewable energy sources.

“During the visit, the Prime Minister noted the tremendous progress already being made in the UK in shifting away from coal to cleaner forms of energy, and our commitment to support individuals and industries in this transition.”

Life and communities in Scotland were utterly devastated by Thatcher’s destruction of the coal industry (which had nothing to do with any fears she had on the planet). Treating that as something to laugh about is insensitive and profoundly insensitive to this reality. https://t.co/QY0Y59UO3K

– Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) August 5, 2021

Asked if the Prime Minister intended to apologize for his remark, the spokesperson added: “My words have taken place there, the Prime Minister is aware of the huge impact and the immense pain of the coal mining closures on communities across the UK.”

Prime Minister Thatcher’s comment drew swift condemnation from opposition parties and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Sir Keir said the prime minister’s comments were a “slap in the face” to the coal community.

“The prime minister has once again shown his true colors,” the Labor leader said on Friday.

For Boris Johnson to laugh when he talks about closing coal mines is a slap in the face to societies still reeling from the devastating effects of Margaret Thatcher’s cruel actions.

“I am proud to have always stood with our coalfield communities. I have represented miners in court while governors have tried to shut down mines. These communities have contributed so much to the success of our country, and then been abandoned.

“Conservatives didn’t care then, and they don’t care now.

“For Boris Johnson to address the pain and suffering inflicted on our coalfield communities as a step that demonstrates how out of touch with the workers he is.

The prime minister should apologize immediately.”

“Life and communities in Scotland were utterly devastated by Thatcher’s destruction of the coal industry (which had nothing to do with any fears she had on the planet), Sturgeon said in a tweet on Thursday.

“Treating that as something to laugh at is very rude and insensitive to that reality.”

“Thatcher’s destruction of the coal industry has absolutely nothing to do with the environment and everything to do with her vile anti-union ideology,” added Scottish Greens Central Scotland MSP Gillian Mackay.

Meanwhile, the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign (OTJC) said: “The rude, insensitive and ignorant comments made by the Conservative Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, who laughed at suggesting that the Tory pit closure program in the 1980s and 1990s was about protecting the environment, was not Surprise.

“The government’s persistent false account of the 1984/5 miners’ strike is part of their attempt to rewrite history and repeat false information about why the Conservatives wanted to destroy organized labour, the National Union of Miners and the trade union movement in Britain.

“The Thatcher government’s destruction of the British coal industry without any alternative industrial strategy to follow led to dire consequences and suffering for miners, their families and mining communities, and remains an issue that is still strongly felt throughout Britain today.”

But Conservative MPs defended the prime minister’s comments.

A Conservative MP in the Red Wall seat told Sky News they believed the issue was “significantly exaggerated”, adding that the only email they had received from a voter in connection with the matter was supportive of the prime minister.

Brendan Clark Smith, MP for Basitlaw – a former mining town – said the comment was “in jest” but admitted he wouldn’t have said it himself.

“The comment was clearly made in jest and was made in the context of the transition from fossil fuels to renewable and clean forms of energy,” Clark Smith told Sky News.

He added, “However, I wouldn’t have made the joke myself and I think we all know that when an industry shuts down in a community, it can have a very detrimental effect on the local economy, which could take a generation to resolve. I’ve seen this with my own eyes.”

Photo: The Prime Minister’s spokesperson told reporters that Mr Johnson is aware of the ‘significant impact and pain’ of the coal mine closures.

“If we were talking about accelerating shutdowns, then I would use Harold Wilson of the Labor Party as an example, as he closed 290 holes, versus 160 under Margaret Thatcher. Tony Blair also continued the trend towards closings.

“I find it remarkable that the same people criticize the Prime Minister for his comments about closing mines, but then they stood in Parliament expecting everyone to cut off fossil fuels immediately and drive electric cars. They can’t do it both ways.”

Mr. Clark Smith continued: “We are proud of our mining heritage in Bassetlaw and this is something that needs to be recognized. I am currently fighting for miners to get a fairer deal than for example the miners’ pension scheme. We are now entering a new era however, and we have to seize this New opportunities to build back better in Basitlau.”

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