Nuclear Industry: Cumbria

In the House of Commons adjournment debate on the nuclear industry in Cumbria, Josh MacAlister, the Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington, opened by highlighting the proud history of nuclear power in his constituency. He noted that Calder Hall, the world's first commercial civil nuclear power station, opened in his constituency 68 years ago, with Queen Elizabeth II inaugurating it. MacAlister emphasized the importance of recapturing the spirit of the early days of civil nuclear power and moving quickly to deliver new nuclear for the next generation. The MP praised the work being done at the Sellafield site, the largest nuclear facility in the country, but argued that this decommissioning work should be a springboard for Cumbria's future opportunities, not an anchor. He called for the primacy of new nuclear development on sites currently designated for that purpose, such as Moorside in his constituency. MacAlister urged the government to transfer the land needed for new nuclear at Moorside from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to Great British Nuclear, and to support the NDA in finding alternative plans for its future decommissioning work. In response, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Michael Shanks, acknowledged the vital role Cumbria plays in the UK's energy, defence and nuclear industry. He praised the region's history of achievements and technological advancements in the nuclear sector. Shanks reaffirmed the government's commitment to new nuclear, in contrast with the "standstill approach" of the previous administration. The minister addressed MacAlister's specific concerns about the Moorside site, stating that any decisions would prioritize maximizing opportunities for the local community. Other Labour MPs also contributed to the debate. Jonathan Brash, the MP for Hartlepool, emphasized the importance of new nuclear for delivering clean power, decarbonizing industry, and transforming local economies. Tom Hayes, the MP for Bournemouth East, criticized the previous Conservative governments for their lack of progress on nuclear power and praised the current Labour government's commitment to the sector, including the Sizewell C project.