UNCERTAINTY over tens of thousands of jobs could prove "catastrophic" for Cumbrian workers.

Speaking as the government defeated a proposal for the UK to stay in the Euratom nuclear regulatory framework until a new system is ready, Cumbrian MPs Trudy Harrison and John Woodcock united to defend workers at Sellafield.

Despite hosting nearly 40 per cent of the UK's nuclear sector workers, the departure has cast doubt over the future of jobs at the plant and the proposed Moorside development.

Copeland MP Trudy Harrison said: "In Copeland, and in Cumbria, we proudly call ourselves the centre of nuclear excellence.

"Not to have arrangements in place when we leave Euratom would be catastrophic for my community and devastating for the nuclear sector nationally and internationally.

"The nuclear industry in Cumbria puts food on so many of our tables and it is vital to our economy, our environmental obligations, and our society.

"The priority for me and my community is the UK being able to operate as an independent and responsible nuclear state when the Euratom arrangements no longer apply to the UK."

The proposed exit is set to take place in March next year, with nuclear experts warning the new stand-alone regulatory body may not be ready in time.

Mr Woodcock said: "Every day, several hundred people from my constituency go up the basket-case A595 and on that awful coastal rail line to Sellafield.

"In the words of Lord Hutton, it is not right for us to be playing fast and loose with this. There is still time for the Government to say: 'Forget this, we don’t have to pursue associate membership. We don’t have to enact all of this scrabble to get new nuclear inspectors in place.'

"Clearly, if we retain Euratom status, there would no need to recruit new inspectors. We do not have to go through with this process if the Government swallow their collective pride and admit they were wrong to put us on the path to leaving Euratom in the first place."

Speaking after the debate on the Nuclear Safeguards Bill, Mr Woodcock vowed to continue seeking assurances.

He said: "It is highly regrettable the government did not accept the very sensible attempt to ensure the UK does not push thousands of jobs off a cliff without a cast iron guaranteee that a safety net is in place.

"Energy ministers are moving closer to our position but the risk to jobs still remains so we will keep pushing for the assurances our communities need."