The Nuclear Industry Association’s Nuclear Week in Parliament has drawn representatives from Cumbria to Westminster to showcase how the industry is developing.
A VR headset to demonstrate how a geological disposal facility could look like and state of the art robots, including drones with laser imaging technology, was among technology shown to MPs.
“Nuclear Week in Parliament is a key event where industry engages with MPs and Lords peers, ensuring decision-makers in Westminster are well-informed about the nuclear sector’s vital role in future growth, energy security, and net zero,” Dianne Richardson, Chief Executive of Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster, said. “It was great to see so many BECBC members there, ensuring Cumbria’s voice was heard. BECBC played a crucial role in representing the county, particularly through the UK Nuclear Regions Collaboration event, which highlighted how different nuclear regions can work together, leveraging both our shared strengths and the unique skills and experience each region brings.”
2025 marks 20 years since the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority was established to decommission the UK’s oldest nuclear sites, one of the most important environmental programmes in the world.
“We’re transforming the legacy of UK’s nuclear power into a sustainable future,” David Peattie, NDA group CEO said. “And, as we celebrate our anniversary, we can proudly say the UK is now a significantly safer place, thanks to our collective efforts.
At a series of events for Parliamentarians, MPs and industry stakeholders, the NDA explained how around £100 million was invested last year in research and development to stay at the forefront of innovation.
The group says it spent around £2billion last year, across 82% of UK Parliamentary constituencies with 5,000 supply chain companies supporting delivery of its mission.
The NDA claims it has attracted over £200m of additional funding, with each £1 of NDA group support helping to attract £3.79 of further investment from other organisations for projects.
“Nuclear Week has been a fantastic opportunity to show off to Parliamentarians all the incredible work going on in the sector and the opportunities that nuclear is bringing across Britain,” Josh MacAlister, the Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington said.
“West Cumbria has some of the highest numbers of nuclear jobs in the country. I saw many familiar faces with a large number of Cumbrian based companies visiting Parliament and putting on events and stalls throughout the week.”
“It is an exciting time for the industry. We now have a government that really backs the sector and understands the importance it will play in achieving their missions on economic growth, reindustrialisation, and decarbonisation.
“After far too many years of dither and delay, it feels like progress is finally being made in delivering the nuclear Britain needs.”
Apprentices Molly and Emily represented Nuclear Waste Services and met colleagues from the NDA as well as MP’s.
“It was an interesting day filled with many different conversations, speaking with MPS from up and down the country,” Emily said. “Along with getting the opportunity to speak to different apprentices and graduates from across the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group to share our experiences.”
Among those attending the event was Lucy Harrison, director of Whitehaven-based leadership coaching company, Harrison Network.
“There was a palpable sense of excitement around new nuclear and how it supports energy security and high quality career opportunities,” Lucy said. “As a Cumbrian SME, it helped re-ignite our sense of purpose around the importance of creating working environments for our people to thrive.”
