A COPELAND MP has praised the Government for "demonstrating its recognition of our nuclear sector".

Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland, sparked a debate on nuclear energy in Westminster and asked the energy minister to recognise the capability and potential within the sector.

The Copeland MP highlighted many "world firsts" have been achieved in Copeland, which she said demonstrate the global capability and track record of safety and excellence.

Mrs Harrison, said: "As the Centre for Nuclear Excellence we are well known across the world for decommissioning skills and innovations in Copeland.

"I want to see better routes to market, more opportunities for manufacturing and a commitment from Government for the long term, so that local companies can have confidence in the future.

"Every family in Copeland is in some way benefiting from the nuclear industry, directly or indirectly, but there is even more that could be achieved with focused Government support."

The debate follows the launch of the Nuclear Sector Deal.

The £200 million deal aims to secure the UK’s diverse energy mix while driving down the costs of nuclear energy in a bid to cut energy bills for customers.

It includes a boost from the government to kick-start a new manufacturing programme to develop nuclear technologies.

The Government has also pledged to increase gender diversity with a target of 40 per cent of women working in the civil nuclear sector by 2030.

Tom Samson, chief executive for NuGen, a nuclear power company, said: "This policy will provide a low cost basis for consumers for the future. Moorside was promised to the people of Cumbria 10 years ago.

"This Government has now created the opportunity to deliver on the latent nuclear potential of Cumbria by ensuring that NuGen are supported to take the project forward.

"It is vital that this moment is seized to give certainty to investors, communities, suppliers and the industry."