John Kerry examining likely impact of new UK coalmine

US climate envoy says he will publicly criticise UK's approval of Cumbrian mine if it adds to emissions

John Kerry, the US climate official, has said he is closely examining the UK government's approval of a new coalmine, over concerns that it will raise greenhouse gas emissions and send the wrong signal to developing countries.

Kerry, Joe Biden's special envoy for climate, said he was taking a close interest in the mine, the first to get the go-ahead in the UK for 30 years, and that he would speak out publicly against the approval if it did not meet strict criteria.