A host of leading North West businesses from across the nuclear supply chain are today calling on the Government to commit to new nuclear and Sizewell C as the industry marks its 65th anniversary.
The nuclear industry is currently at a pivotal point, requiring government to commit to a funding solution for new nuclear power at Sizewell C.
The businesses are calling on the Government to secure the future of the nuclear supply chain, boost the UK’s post-pandemic recovery and demonstrate delivery ahead of COP26 in November by backing Sizewell C.
The businesses highlight how the project could supply seven per cent of the UK’s electricity needs and support tens of thousands of jobs and billions of pounds of investment across the country.
This could include up to 13,000 job opportunities and £2.5 billion of investment in the north of England alone.
All are using the anniversary to call for the Government to introduce fresh legislation for Sizewell C in this autumn’s parliamentary session.
Copeland MP Trudy Harrison, said: “I am proud to be the MP representing the constituency where the world’s first civil nuclear power station was connected to the grid. I myself worked at the Sellafield nuclear site early in my career and know first-hand the benefits that the industry therefore brings to workers and communities.
On this significant milestone for the industry, I remain committed to delivering new nuclear for the benefit of those not just across the north west, but across the country.”
Cameron Gilmour, spokesman for the Sizewell C Consortium – a collection of over 200 businesses and Trade Unions backing Sizewell C, said: “The Government has made levelling up a priority. New nuclear will substantiate this agenda and build on the progress made at Hinkley Point C – supporting the creation of more jobs and apprenticeships in towns and communities across the country, establishing a skills legacy for the next generation.
“As the UK progresses towards net zero, the baseload of low carbon, reliable energy that nuclear provides will also complement the rollout of renewables and accelerate innovation in new clean technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture.
“Sizewell C is the sensible next step to take – supporting a supply chain across the North West, and the rest of the country.
“We call on government to take the chance and back it in this parliament.’’
Dawn James, vice-president of Jacobs, which has sites in Cumbria employing 700 people, said: “The UK’s nuclear industry currently finds itself at a pivotal point on its 65th birthday.
“Since Hinkley Point C began its construction over five years ago, the industry has gone from strength to strength.
“Jobs, skills and opportunities have flourished across the region. Now we need to build on them further – and look ahead to the next 65 years. Sizewell C is a natural next step for net zero, nuclear and new opportunities across the North West.
“We call on government to take it now.’’
John Coughlan, CEO of TSP Engineering, based in Workington said:
“We are proud to continue as part of Britain’s nuclear history – and to celebrate this milestone.
“Working in the nuclear sector has enabled us to innovate and expand our business, providing highly skilled jobs to local people here in Workington. We are excited to help shape the industry’s future.
“Going ahead with Sizewell C will guarantee these jobs into the future and provide the potential to create many more across the North West and the rest of the UK.”
