A TORY MP clashed with protesters after arriving at his office to find it plastered with posters and swathed in police “crime scene” tape over his support for a new coalmine in Cumbria.

Police were called as Workington MP Mark Jenkinson challenged Just Stop Oil campaigners outside his office this morning.

Plans for a coalmine in Cumbria have sparked repeated protests including by environment campaign Friends of the Earth and Mr Jenkinson’s own constituents.

Government approval for the mine was given in 2022.

Mr Jenkinson is an outspoken supporter of the project, arguing that it is needed to supply the steel industry.

Protester Alison Parker, 41, who is one of Mr Jenkinson’s constituents, said: “I am sick of Mark Jenkinson telling constituents like me that the coalmine is needed by the steel industry, and that it will be carbon-neutral. 

“We deserve to be told the truth. I’m really worried about the impact of the coalmine on the climate and how it will encourage other countries to build more mines too.”

Mr Jenkinson said: “I hope the police throw the book at these entitled morons who think they are above the law.

“They deliberately picked a sitting Friday because they thought I wouldn’t be here — but as it happens I was, and I gave them a few choice Anglo-Saxon words before they scuttled back to their hiding places as most people head to work.

“These people need to get a job, get a life, and, hopefully, a bath.”