We can lead the way on nuclear expansion
Last updated 15:22, Saturday, 05 April 2008
CUMBRIA could become the centre of an enlarged nuclear industry which will employ 100,000 people nationwide and pump billions into the economy, under government plans.
In the most pro-nuclear speech ever by a Labour minister, business secretary John Hutton laid out a vision of the UK as the world leader in nuclear energy.
Mr Hutton said the UK should not stop at replacing its 23 existing reactors, but should expand to create an industry worth £20bn.
The government has already backed a plan to make west Cumbria Britain’s ‘energy coast’, as well as locating the national nuclear laboratory and training academy there, and would almost certainly ask the region to take the leading role in the expanded sector.
Copeland MP Jamie Reed, whose constituency includes the Sellafield nuclear complex, called the plan “precisely what the area needs”.
Mr Hutton said nuclear provided the most compelling case as a solution for the twin conundrums of climate change and energy security. He said reactors have been proved safe and delaying them more widely could be disastrous for the environment.
He added that setting the government’s vision was the easy bit, but getting companies to commit billions would be the “most important test of our resolve”.
He said: “I believe we’re well placed. The public recognise the need to take action against the dangers to our planet from global warming and the dangers here at home from insecure energy supplies. The ‘in principle’ argument is over.”
The government gave the go-ahead for a new generation of nuclear power stations in January.
Mr Hutton added: “Like me he wants to utilise our skills to become world leaders and is committed to making sure that this happens.
“These are incredibly exciting times for the industry, and if we get it right, the whole of west Cumbria.
“This is precisely what the area needs, precisely what I have been working for, and precisely what will underpin our future success, economic growth and stability.”
The pro-nuclear call comes as Prime Minister Gordon Brown met French President, Nicholas Sarkozy to discuss nuclear cooperation.
Mr Reed said: “Nuclear cooperation between France and Britain has been happening at Sellafield for many years with some real success. I know from my work within the industry and at Sellafield in international political environments and negotiations that France’s support for Britain on nuclear issues - and vice versa - is crucial.”
