COPELAND’S former MP, Jack Cunningham, has been awarded one of Japan’s most prestigious honours.

Lord Cunningham was presented with the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Star, the highest civil award made by the Japanese government.

He received the award, at a ceremony at the Japanese Embassy in London, for his work in developing “UK/Japan friendship and understanding’’.

Lord Cunningham said: “I regard this as a great honour which I never anticipated receiving.”

Copeland’s MP from 1983-2005, he began his relationship with Japan in the 1970s when he used to meet Japanese visitors at Sellafield. He was then invited to give keynote speeches at annual conferences of the Japan Atomic Industry Forum, and was supported by Neville Chamberlain, chief executive of BNFL.

As business grew between BNFL and Japan, Lord Cunningham’s involvement in UK/Japan relations developed.

He said: “My connections and friendship with the parliamentarians and prime ministers of Japan continued to grow.

“I then served in the Tony Blair Cabinet for a few years. After I resigned, Tony Blair asked me to become chairman of the UK Japan 21st Century Group with responsibility to develop better relations and understanding between the two countries.’’

He subsequently served as a chairman for seven years and found it “challenging and well worth taking on”.

After standing down he remained on the board for five years, having visited Japan many times.

Earlier this year he was informed by the Japanese Ambassador that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had recommended to his Royal Highness, the Emperor of Japan, that Lord Cunningham be honoured.

“I was invited to the ceremony in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo but sadly could not go,’’ Lord Cunningham added, “so the honour was bestowed on me by Ambassador Koji Tsuruoka at the Japanese Embassy in London.

“Many friends, colleagues and members of my family attended. It was a memorable evening.’’