Copeland MP Trudy Harrison has renewed her pledge to fight for a nuclear industry in the area.

Speaking after a roundtable meeting called by Prime Minister Boris Johnston this week, Mrs Harrison said: “ It was a personal promise I made to Copeland to secure new nuclear, and I remain hellbent on doing it - it’s not easy, but now more than ever new nuclear is absolutely critical for UK energy security supply, achieving net-zero, for our next generation of apprentices and workers and for our local economy.”

Mr Johnston hosted a roundtable at Downing Street yesterday to discuss how to improve domestic energy security and rapidly accelerate nuclear projects in the UK.

The Prime Minister made clear the vision for nuclear to be a major part of the UK’s future energy system as a clean, reliable and safe energy source. He set out this government’s commitment to supporting the industry to develop a thriving pipeline of future nuclear projects in the UK in a cost-effective way.

Industry representatives set out the various technologies and projects they are developing, from larger nuclear power plants to small modular reactors, capitalising on both British and international expertise.

Following the meeting, Mrs Harrison met the Rolls Royce SMR CEO Tom Samson to discuss the plan to bring nuclear to Copeland.

COPELAND HAS IDEAL NUCLEAR SOLUTION:https://www.whitehavennews.co.uk/news/19430392.rolls-royce-cavendish-nuclear-strike-agreement/

“I’m following up with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Ltd, National Grid UK, Electricity North West, our local councils and of course, most importantly, the local workforce and community.”

She said Sellafield Ltd is more than capable of operating a power station, with the support of their supply chain - and have a need for the power.

She said: “I’m also speaking with hydrogen producers to close the sustainability circle,  which is especially important for transport."