REPRESENTATIVES from nuclear bodies in west Cumbria visited a 3,200 megawatt power plant project in Somerset to discuss future opportunities.

Members of the GMB, Unite and Prospect unions were joined by Copeland MP Trudy Harrison for a tour of Hinkley Point Power Station earlier this week.

The tour proved an opportunity to discuss future opportunities for nuclear new build and decommissioning in west Cumbria.

Mrs Harrison, said: "New nuclear will bring enormous opportunities for Copeland, I want to work with all unions so have invited Prospect, GMB and Unite to join me.

"It is really important that we work together to realise the true potential.

"I have been speaking with Ian Liddell-Granger, MP for the Hinkley Point site, and he commends the fact that the Hinkley Point C construction project has benefited the community through infrastructure improvements, skills development, the visitor economy and obviously employment."

The visit, hosted by EDF Energy, followed Mrs Harrison's first Westminster Hall Debate on the Nuclear Sector Deal in which she asked government for a secure future, not just for decommissioning but also research and development and Moorside new build.

Steve Nicolson, Sellafield Ltd branch secretary, said: "Visiting the Hinckley Point C project gave us a leading insight into the successes achieved by EDF and Sedgemoor council, in a short period of time.

"Moorside is critical for the economic future of Copeland, bringing highly skilled, well paid employment opportunities to the area, alongside much needed financial community benefits.

"The Sellafield unions are delighted to be involved in the delegation which has been organised by Copeland MP Trudy Harrison, as we continue working together supporting Sellafield and our communities."