Now comic fights AGAINST the industry

During his ‘little bit of politics’ rants of the Eighties, Ben Elton would passionately rail against the widespread pit closures instigated by Margaret Thatcher’s government.

Now, 25 years on, the one-time darling of the left is fighting a new battle over the future of coal mines – but this time he’s campaigning AGAINST the industry.

The comic is backing campaigners wanting to ban mining near his home in Western Australia; and tomorrow takes part in a fundraiser to help the cause.

Protester Ian Parmenter said that Elton’s support will help the No Coalition campaign’s fight against planned mines in the picturesque Margaret River area.

‘He's really fired up about this as we all are,’ Mr Parmenter said. ‘He's got a house down here, so obviously he's interested from a local perspective.

‘Anyone like Ben Elton who's got an international reputation and image is obviously going to lend weight to what we're doing here.’

Elton, who always vehemently denies claims he has ‘sold out’ his principles, has long been an environmental campaigner. He even sparked a spat with the local council after installing solar panels on his historic home near Perth without getting planning permission.

However, his influence may be overstated; his Australian show Live From Planet Earth has just been axed after just three of the planned six episodes.

Here’s Elton saying that Britain *should* use coal power in a stand-up routine from Saturday Live in 1986.

Published: 4 Mar 2011