Today is the anniversary of a very significant day for Cumbria’s nuclear industry.

It marks the 65th anniversary of nuclear power being generated not just in the UK but around the world.

This milestone happened at Calder Hall in Cumbria on 27th August 1956. A couple of months later, in October 1956, it was officially opened by the Queen.

Trudy Harrison MP, the local MP to the Calder Hall site, said: “On this significant milestone for the industry, I remain committed to delivering new nuclear for the benefit of those not just across the north west, but across the country.”

Local businesses are backing Britain’s nuclear industry on this day.

They are backing Sizewell C in their latest efforts to back local nuclear which it is said will create new British technologies and clean growth across the region.

The companies that are involved are calling on the government to secure the future of the nuclear supply chain.

They say that this will boost the UK’s post pandemic recovery strategy and also demonstrate delivery ahead of COP26 in November.

Cameron Gilmour, spokesperson for the Sizewell C Consortium – a collection of over 200 businesses and Trade Unions backing Sizewell C, said: “The Government has made levelling up a priority. New nuclear will substantiate this agenda and build on the progress made at Hinkley Point C.

“Supporting the creation of more jobs and apprenticeships in towns and communities across the country, establishing a skills legacy for the next generation.”

They highlight how this growth could support 7% of the UK’s electricity needs and create jobs in the tens of thousands.

Along with a 2.5 billion investment into the north of England alone.

Yet there is uncertainty as a clean growth pipeline needs to be in place with the government being called on to introduce legislation this autumn.