Trudy Harrison has declared the nuclear sector a "top priority" as MPs across the country are pushed to support the industry.

GMB Union is calling for MPs to speak up for new nuclear ahead of an urgent debate on its future due to be held in the House of Commons on September 7.

The Union is urging people to email their MPs to put pressure on the government and ensure they announce a credible funding model for new nuclear.

Copeland MP Trudy Harrison has spoken of her commitment to the nuclear industry.

She said: "Copeland’s nuclear sector is my absolute top priority. We should be proud of the role that we played in the advent of nuclear fission, particularly as we approach the 65th anniversary of Calder Hall connecting to the grid.

"We can also seek to shape the future of industry and ensure it is rooted, here in Copeland.

"Since my election I have been a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nuclear Energy and advocated for both large-scale reactors and new technologies in the form of Small Modular and Advanced Reactors.

"The APPG recently released a new report - Net Zero Needs Nuclear: A Roadmap to 2024, which sets out how we can revolutionise our energy supply through investment and innovation in nuclear, while making clear that it is only with nuclear that the UK can achieve an affordable carbon neutrality by 2050.

"Last November I co-founded the Nuclear Delivery Group with Virginia Crosbie MP – whose constituency is home to Wyfla – with the clear aim of bringing together industry partners to discuss the role of atomic energy in achieving net zero and levelling up across the country.

Edwin Dinsdale, GMB Union member and Whitehaven town councillor, said: "New nuclear projects are absolutely vital for Cumbria, Copeland and Corkickle.

"It is massively important that all Cumbrian MPs play a part in this debate and give the nuclear workers within Cumbria a voice.

"Trudy Harrison has been supportive of the nuclear industry in the past, but in reality what does this mean? And more importantly what is the plan around taking new nuclear projects within Copeland forward?

"Our local economy is totally reliant on the nuclear industry, any hold ups could be catastrophic for the Copeland community.

"We cannot kick this issue into the long grass anymore. This constant drift and delay runs the risk of Copeland ending up a wasteland.

"Everything must be done to prevent the West Cumbrian community becoming the modern day Detroit."