Parliament returned on the 9th October, and although we await the detail of the Queen’s Speech, the legislative programme will be as busy as ever. This session is likely to witness the separate debates on the replacement of Trident, and on the development of a new generation of Nuclear power stations – sadly not supported by the Tories or the Lib Dems.
These two issues are arguably two of the most contentious subjects that could be brought to the floor of the House. It is vitally important that the two debates are kept separate and are not allowed to be wilfully confused; an age-old tactic adopted by those opposed to anything with the term ‘nuclear’ attached to it.
I have often stated my belief that a prosperous, sustainable future for Copeland is inextricably linked with the continued safe operation and development of the nuclear industry, not only at Sellafield, but throughout the wider community. Only by capitalising on nuclear opportunities can the community develop the ability to diversify our economy over time.
The development of the Nuclear Skills Academy at West Lakes College, the establishment of the University of Cumbria for the next academic year, the proposed National Nuclear Laboratory, new nuclear build: these are all essential initiatives that I will be pursuing with all my energy.
Another major issue facing us this year is the sale of BNG and the competition to manage the Sellafield site: a competition which is attracting some of the largest companies in the world. It is my job, along with the other locally elected representatives of our community to ensure that we achieve the most best possible result from this process for Copeland.
The consequences of this sale will be felt for generations to come. BNFL and BNG have become well respected partners in the efforts to stimulate and regenerate our economy over many years. We now have to ensure that whoever wins the contract to manage the site understands our ambitions and is prepared to invest significant sums in our future whilst also making business decisions with our best interests in mind.
We also expect soon to receive the results of the local health service’s ‘whole system review’. We have been told that we will receive a new hospital; we must ensure that it contains the services that we need and expect, but also that the views expressed in previous consultations are also reflected in the decisions which are made.
We expect and deserve the highest quality of patient care.
During the past few weeks public meetings and consultations have taken place concerning the future direction, and provision of secondary school education in North Copeland. This is a great opportunity to develop a new state of the art facility, to ensure that young people in the towns of Egremont and Cleator Moor have the best possible opportunity to develop their talents and skills and to take advantage of new opportunities currently not available to them.
So as I return to the Westminster village there is a great deal to be excited by and confident about. We should be excited by these opportunities and optimistic about our future chances of success.