Mike Starkie, the Mayor of Copeland says he is still confident that a solution will be found to move the Moorside project forward.
Mike Starkie said: “The Moorside site can deliver six per cent of the UK’s energy supply and support the government commitments for a mix of energy and a reduction in the use of fossil fuels, that requirement has not changed.
“Copeland is at the Centre of Nuclear Excellence and there are huge advantages to developing in an area that already has unparalleled capability in Nuclear, and the ability to extract the value of existing investment makes this an attractive opportunity and a national asset.
“It is hugely frustrating that we continue to be hampered by delays and uncertainty, and that in this instance, that uncertainty has been created by the UK Government. I call upon the Government to support Moorside and give the confidence investors need to work with us.
“The Government also needs to fully comprehend that the Copeland Community is an incredibly valuable asset and it simply cannot afford that goodwill to depreciate. For decades our people have stood full square behind numerous governments in full support of their Nuclear ambitions and we expect that support to be reciprocated. The Copeland community should not be taken for granted.
“I am still confident however that a solution will be found to move the Moorside project forward, but the Government needs to get its shoulder and financial muscle behind it now to give some traction and to build on the progress that has already been made to push this development over the line and remove the uncertainty.
“The Copeland economy is facing both challenges and opportunities to harnass the value of hosting the Sellafield site and deliver Governments Industrial Strategy. As we approach the end of reprocessing at Sellafield we are already working hard with Sellafield and other partners to reconfigure the local economy.
“Moorside is of huge importance to Copeland but we cannot lose sight of the opportunities that already exist to broaden our economy. This requires a new and progressive conversation and action from Government and the NDA to step up to the plate and get 100 per cent behind the Sellafield transformation, that would kick start an immediate positive impact on our local economy.
“This is not a time for party political point scoring, it is a time for all in public office at all levels to work together in the best interests of our economy and community.”
