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A Parliamentary petition calling on the Government to “get your priorities straight” and guarantee a vital loan for the Sirius Minerals mine has got thousands of signatures.

Campaigners say the Treasury should provide the major project with a “full loan guarantee” which would get it over the finish line.

Sirius Minerals pulled a £400m fundraising offer to the markets last month, slowing down construction at its sites and laying 300 night-shift workers off.

The petition, organised by Piers Quarry, urges the Government to “stop squabbling about Brexit” and underwrite the funds to complete the massive mine – because “your country needs it”.

It has received more than 7,500 signatures so far but it needs thousands more.

Sirius Minerals has said it approached the Government to provide loan guarantees for around £800m of bonds, which would have secured the financing needed to finish the project – but has so far been unsuccessful.

The company is examining other options, including the possibility of mining some of its polyhalite product early, then selling it to fund the next stage.

The petition must reach 10,000 signatures before the Government is required to respond.

If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

Show your support today. Sign the petition>>

Source: GazetteLive