EU move raises fears of coal mine closures

Half Britain's remaining underground coal mines could close unless ministers reject the advice of their own officials about implementing a European Union anti-pollution directive, UK Labour MPs are claiming. Officials have advised ministers to adopt a national plan to curb sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions from factories. It would require coal-burning power stations to bear the brunt of the cuts by removing 500,000 tonnes of sulphur a year by 2015.