Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, reinforced his support for the Cumbrian nuclear industry during the Nuclear Industry Association’s Nuclear Week in Parliament.
The event sees hundreds of parliamentarians and industry representatives engage across a range of event over a packed few days, promoting the opportunities that nuclear energy presents to the UK. It is run by the Nuclear Industry Association with input from private companies, Government bodies and publicly-sponsored organisations.
The MP for Penrith and The Border attended a range of events where he met with business leaders, industry experts, and key decision-makers. Moreover, Dr Hudson met with local graduates and apprentices in the burgeoning Cumbrian sector.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:
“I’ve always been forthright in my support for nuclear energy as we look to power the industries of the future here in Cumbria. It has been incredibly useful to meet with business leaders, industry experts and other Conservative MPs who are equally as passionate about nuclear as I am. We have a real opportunity to get the Government to support the development of Small Modular Reactors here in Cumbria led by world leaders like Rolls-Royce.
“I’ve been particularly delighted by educational and training opportunities on offer for young folk looking to choose a future-proof career; as such I met with graduates and apprentices working in our great county. There is a real diversity of opportunity available and I’d highly recommend interested young people consider looking into all available pathways.
“Tragically Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has brought energy security into sharp relief, disrupting the market and making it clear just how important domestic energy production is. But with Cumbria’s energy coast at the vanguard of the nuclear industry, the future seems bright and I look forward to continue championing this home-grown industry for years to come.”
Dr Hudson has asked Ministers a number of parliamentary questions on topics such as small modular nuclear reactors, nuclear fusion technology and crucially the development of Cumbria’s nuclear energy sector.
As such, he has corresponded with Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, George Freeman MP and Minister for Energy and Climate, Graham Stuart MP. Dr Hudson was told the Government is investing over £700m into fusion research and innovation over three years and that it awarded £210m to support development of the Rolls Royce Small Modular Reactor Design some of which could be built in Cumbria this decade.
The nuclear industry is a key sector in the Cumbrian economy and the Government is taking a driving role. The department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy funds or has contracts with a host of nuclear-related enterprise in Cumbria.
A recent report found that a BEIS-sponsored subsidiary, Sellafield Ltd and Nuclear Waste Services’ core sites in Cumbria contributed £1.3bn (gross value added) across the local economy and supported 21,650 jobs.
The Conservative Government is taking action to support the development of the UK nuclear sector and has committed to setting up Great British Nuclear, which will be tasked with developing a resilient pipeline of new build projects. The Government is investing in nuclear, including through backing Sizewell C with £700 million, the launch of the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund and the Nuclear Fuel Fund.