A new industrial plan for West Cumbria has been launched by Josh MacAlister, Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Whitehaven & Workington.
The plan, produced after extensive engagement with local business leaders, sets out five detailed priorities for public and private investment which will help West Cumbria to benefit from a new industrial revolution driven by the energy transition and new technologies:
- Invest in new nuclear for West Cumbria
- Double the size of the Port of Workington
- Bring back steel to West Cumbria
- Back innovative local businesses
- Upgrade the Cumbria Coast Line
Plans for new nuclear, expanding the Port of Workington and bringing back steel could deliver £6.2 billion private investment, £200 million public investment and create 1,000 sustainable long-term jobs in West Cumbria.
The plan is being launched just days after reports that Teesside has pulled ahead of West Cumbria in plans to build new nuclear. This follows concern that the government is blocking the sale of land for new nuclear power generation near Sellafield, therefore holding up a £6 billion local plan by Solway Community Power Company.
In his recent interview with the Whitehaven News, Labour leader Keir Starmer committed to removing barriers to new development like this and said he “very strongly” supported new nuclear in West Cumbria.
Launching the industrial plan, Josh said:
“Our ports and docks were the engine room of the Industrial Revolution. We were home to the world’s first civil nuclear power station. Workington steel can still be found in rail tracks around the world. We’ve since fallen behind. But we’re on the edge of another industrial revolution and there’s a new opportunity – if we seize it.
“The news that Teesside will get the first new SMRs and not West Cumbria shows the consequences of not having a plan – and a government that lacks ambition to grow industry in our area.
“We need a plan that will help us to regain control of our future. A plan for long-term jobs that families can count on. A realistic, bold, ambitious and focused plan that empowers the enterprise of local leaders. This is that plan.
“If you elect me as your MP, I’ll be a tireless champion for removing barriers, creating opportunities and bringing power back to our community so that we can make this plan a reality and put West Cumbria in control of our own destiny.”
Dianne Richardson, Chief Executive of British Energy Coast Business Cluster, said:
“It is important that local politicians engage with business and we’ve welcomed the opportunity for our members to contribute to these plans.
“This industrial plan includes important proposals that would bring investment into West Cumbria and protect and create local jobs and we hope to see these policies delivered.”
Suzanne Caldwell, Managing Director of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said:
“It’s important that local politicians engage with business and we believe it’s important that political parties have clear plans for business and growth. So we’ve welcomed the opportunity for our members to contribute to these plans for West Cumbria.”
Josh MacAlister MP 