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Coal Tip Safety and New Extraction Licences
22 October 2025
Lead MP
Ann Davies
Caerfyrddin
PC
Responding Minister
Michael Shanks
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Word Count: 8758
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Ann Davies raised concerns about coal tip safety and new extraction licences in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Ann Davies calls for full funding from Westminster for the remediation of all unsafe coal tips, estimated at £600 million by Plaid Cymru, to prevent new mining companies exploiting this situation for commercial gain.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The debate highlights the historical and ongoing issues with coal tip safety in Wales, citing 28 deaths from Aberfan disaster and recent landslides due to extreme weather. Over 50% of UK's coal tips are in Wales despite it making up only 8.5% of land mass, and there is a risk of collapse during severe weather events.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Commended the work of the Mining Remediation Authority on metal mines, particularly lead pollution, and asked if it could serve as a template for dealing with such issues.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Merthyr Tydfil
Welcomes the debate but notes that £140 million has already been provided by UK Government towards making coal tips safe, suggesting it is a start though more may be needed in future. Expressed concern about the ongoing issue of coal mine restoration and advised constituents to be vigilant in reviewing applications for new tips. Asked Pippa Heylings about the leadership of the Welsh Government in banning fracking.
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Called for a £600 million commitment from the UK Government to make disused coal tips safe, emphasised the need for stronger regulation of open-cast mines, and criticised proposals to reopen old mines.
Gerald Jones
Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Jones highlighted the need for safety measures regarding coal tips, noting that Labour provided £25 million in October’s Budget and an additional £118 million to support remediation efforts. He also mentioned the Disused Mine and Quarry Tips Act 2025 which will establish a disused tips authority in Wales. Acknowledged the efforts of Merthyr Tydfil county borough council and Welsh Government in addressing the issue, highlighting the importance of progress being made soon.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Recalls memories of the Aberfan disaster and questions whether there should be regulatory oversight over coal tips in Northern Ireland despite a lesser legacy compared to Wales.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Acknowledges the anniversary of Aberfan disaster and Capel Celyn flooding, highlighting past neglect by Westminster and the need for regulatory oversight in Northern Ireland as well. Saville Roberts noted the absence of Reform Members during Prime Minister's Questions and criticised them for their lack of presence at debates on coal mining issues. Suggested focusing on alternative technologies like hydrogen for steel production instead of fossil fuels.
Llinos Medi
PC
Ynys Môn
Asked if the UK Government would finance the entire cost of disused coal tip stabilisation if requested by a future Welsh Government.
Michael Shanks
Con
South Cambridgeshire
Explained that the £220 million funding is based on evidence and current capacity, and will be reviewed as needed. Mentioned the Disused Tips Authority for Wales and the Mining Remediation Authority's role in inspections. Emphasised the government's commitment to phasing out coal and banning fracking, highlighting past achievements like closing Ratcliffe-on-Soar. He argued that these steps are necessary for tackling climate change and securing economic opportunities.
South Cambridgeshire
Welcomed the UK's phasing out of coal power generation but expressed concern over the safety risks posed by disused coal tips, calling for a strategic long-term plan and sustainable funding. Asked if the Conservatives would restart coal extraction after pledging to phase it out at COP26.
Steve Witherden
Lab
Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr
Stressed the importance of ensuring that any proposed ban on new coal licences includes restrictions on mining from disused tips, citing recent incidents in Wales as evidence of the public safety risk.
Government Response
Michael Shanks
The Minister for Energy
Government Response
Acknowledged the debate's tone and will address the shadow minister's remarks later. Discussed the £220 million funding provided to secure coal tip sites in Wales, including the work done by the Disused Tips Authority and the Mining Remediation Authority. Mentioned that removing coal from tips made of coalmining waste does not fall under licensable activities.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.