Copeland's Labour MP Jamie Reed today welcomed the publication of the government's energy review giving the green light to a civil nuclear renaissance in the UK.
Responding in the House of Commons to the announcement made by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alastair Darling, Jamie Reed said: "This announcement shows courage and vision. I have worked ceaselessly since arriving in this House to convince ministers, officials and fellow parliamentarians of the environmental, economic and strategic need for civil nuclear power in the UK. Today's announcement established the framework with which to bring forward a white paper on new nuclear power. This is the right decision and one which will fetch profound benefits to the whole of West Cumbria. This is the first pro-nuclear announcement adopted by any British government for over two decades.
"In years to come, this announcement will be seen as the moment Britain woke up to the realities of the problems of climate change and security of energy supply.
"This announcement is central to the regeneration of Copeland and West Cumbria and it should be welcomed by everyone with the interests of our community at heart. That is why, immediately following the announcement on the floor of the House, I thanked the Secretary of State for his comments on behalf of 17,000 workers in West Cumbria and over 40,000 nuclear workers throughout the UK. I also volunteered Copeland as a candidate site for consideration for siting new nuclear reactors. Now we have the framework, the hard part is done. What we now need to do is turn these words into actions and make the case for new build at Sellafield.
"I have asked Copeland Borough Council, Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Vision and Westlakes Renaissance to approach the DTI now about the site selection process. Time is of the essence, and I am proud to belong to the only party with the courage to commit to new nuclear power."