LABOUR leader Keir Starmer has claimed that a Labour government would ‘very strongly’ support new nuclear projects such as small modular reactors in the county.

His comments come following his remarks that winning in Cumbria would be key for the Labour Party in a 2024 general election victory, and with polls suggesting Labour are on course to take a majority.

Speaking to the Whitehaven News, Mr Starmer was asked whether a Labour government would support the construction of small modular reactors, as plans are already in place by groups around Cumbria to introduce the new forms of nuclear to the county.

Mr Starmer said a Labour government would be ‘tough’ on impediments that 'get in the way' of these kind of projects, to try and bring small modular reactors to the county.

The Labour leader said: “Very strongly, I believe in new nuclear, I think it is very important for the country, very important for Cumbria.

“These would be good, well-paid secure jobs for decades in relation to new nuclear. In order to make that happen we need to be tough on the decisions that get in the way of building projects, so to make sure this happens fast and at pace.

“But yes, we would be very supportive, as a national energy source but also as a source of good well-paid jobs in Cumbria.”

Plans are already afoot under the current Conservative government to push ahead with new nuclear projects.

Nuclear Minister Andrew Bowie MP confirmed in September that the government and Great British Nuclear are considering what he describes as 'incredibly attractive sites' in Cumbria, hinting at an announcement on new SMR technologies (which many have lobbied to be located on the Moorside site near Sellafield) very soon.

The Labour Party leader said that Cumbria was ‘very important’ in the Labour party’s quest for a win in next year’s general election, but said the party knows it will have to ‘earn every vote’ in the county.

Mr Starmer praised the Labour majority won in the Cumberland council elections last year. He said: “I came up to Workington just before that election and came obviously on the day because Cumberland was a very important victory for us.

“It’s very important (Cumbria in winning a general election) because there are many working people across Cumbria that we want to represent and give them a better government. I was very pleased with the result that we got in Cumberland last year.

“I know we have to earn every vote in Cumbria and across the region, we will respectfully earn votes, we take absolutely nothing for granted and its by engaging with, listening to and putting in positive change for Cumbria on the map - that is important for us.”