MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Farron has presented a Bill in the House of Commons which would force the Government to set out a plan to create renewable jobs in Cumbria.

The Bill would establish a Commission to advise the Government and local authorities on increasing the availability of jobs in the low-carbon economy.

It would also require the Secretary of State for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy to publish a plan to increase take-up of National Vocational Qualification courses related to low-carbon services.

It comes after the Government gave the green light to controversial plans for a coal mine in Cumbria.

Mr Farron said: "I have been arguing for years that the Government should not be giving the green light to short-term coal mine jobs, but instead investing in long-term, sustainable green jobs in Cumbria.

"That's why I'm proud to put forward this Bill which would require the Government to set out a plan for helping to create those jobs and give young people the training and skills to be ready to help these renewable industries thrive."