Major companies have been in talks with Copeland’s MP over plans to build new nuclear reactors in West Cumbria.

Trudy Harrison, who is vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group for nuclear energy, has held virtual meetings with engineering giant Rolls-Royce and EDF Energy in recent weeks in a bid to progress their interest.

A Rolls-Royce-led consortium plans to build small modular reactors across the UK by 2029, with Cumbria previously identified as a potential site, while EDF Energy is working on two new nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point C in Somerset and Mrs Harrison believes they have interest in building an EPR reactor in the area.

“I have never let the new nuclear flame stop burning and now with both a British consortium reactor company and the UK’s biggest energy operator and reactor developer very actively engaged in local discussions we should all push hard together," Mrs Harrison said.

“Our trusted, tried and tested track record makes Copeland the most logical demonstrator site for advanced and small modular reactors but the vast land mass available means large scale energy generation and other clean fuel manufacturing are all priorities.

“Despite the difficulties of meetings face to face, we have managed to meet virtually to pull together an incredibly exciting proposal for the Copeland area.

“Securing the interest of companies as significant as EDF and Rolls-Royce is a moment to celebrate and is the result of many people working collaboratively for the benefit of the whole industry.”

A new government energy white paper is set to be published soon is expected to outline the “nuclear renaissance” Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged his support for.

Mrs Harrison, who pledged to fight for nuclear in her re-election campaign last year, said she also had the backing of Copeland Council as the area plots its recovery from the collapse of previous plans for a new nuclear plant on Moorside.

She added: “Nuclear energy and co-located fuel manufacturing will go far to solve the carbon challenge but that’s just half the good news story.

"This is about the science and innovation, our place in the world as pioneers and our platform for so many apprenticeships and levelling up across the North West."