Steve Yemm, Labour MP for Mansfield, said he’s “optimistic” the government had listened and campaigners “will get the justice they so much deserve”.
“We’ve got 3% of mineworkers in my constituency alone. That’s 120 million [pounds] being set aside for my constituents,” he said.
“Local spending power that will move around the local economy.”
Trade minister Blair McDoughall, told the Commons: “We owe former mining communities a debt of gratitude for their contribution to national prosperity, and we must acknowledge and recognise the hard work and sacrifice of coalminers, who powered this country for decades.”
“We are in that terrible pre-Budget period when lots of ministers stand at the Dispatch Box and ask for patience.
“I have to do the same, but I recognise that we are dealing with people who are incredibly advanced in years and cannot afford to wait indefinitely.”