Nuclear Industry: Cumbria

In a historic moment, the minister in the House of Commons commemorated the 68th anniversary of the opening of Calder Hall, the world's first commercial civil nuclear power station, located in the minister's constituency. On October 17, 1956, at 12:16 pm, Queen Elizabeth II pulled the lever that directed electricity from the power station into the national grid, making Workington, a town 15 miles up the coast and also in the minister's constituency, the first in the world to receive light, heat, and power from nuclear energy. The minister highlighted the significance of this event, quoting the Queen's words on that day: "This new power, which has proved itself to be such a terrifying weapon of destruction, is harnessed for the first time for the common good of our community." The minister expressed that this development was indeed good for the local community, underscoring the positive impact of the nuclear power station on the region. This landmark occasion marked a turning point in the history of nuclear energy, as it transitioned from a weapon of destruction to a source of power for the common good. The minister's statement serves as a testament to the transformative potential of technology and the importance of harnessing it for the betterment of society.