Workington MP Sue Hayman has written to the Prime Minister to highlight the importance of Britain's nuclear industry.

Mrs Hayman, who is vice-chairman of an all-party parliamentary group for nuclear energy and the energy gap, is calling on Theresa May to to ensure that new nuclear former a key part of the country's future energy generation.

She is urging Mrs May to press ahead with the new build at Moorside, near Sellafield.

He letter said: "I’m writing to welcome you to your new position and to raise with you the serious matter of our country’s energy gap, in my capacity as vice chair of the APPG for nuclear energy and the MP for Workington, with many of my constituents working in the nuclear industry.

"It is absolutely vital that new nuclear forms a key part of our future of energy generation.

"I urge you to press ahead with the nuclear new builds at Hinkley Point C and Moorside, to ensure that we can close the energy gap by 2025 as we shut down our remaining coal power stations and other plants that use fossil fuels.

"With the new build, West Cumbria will see huge investment in the form of thousands of additional jobs in construction and operation of the plant, boosted skills training, cementing our position with the Centre for Nuclear Excellence and the National College for Nuclear, advanced nuclear manufacturing and securing many critically needed jobs in our local supply chain.

"West Cumbria is the centre of Britain’s nuclear industry and is truly a world leader in nuclear skills and innovation.

"Following the vote to leave the European Union, it’s more important than ever that we do everything we can to export West Cumbria’s nuclear skills and expertise across the globe.

"I ask that your government does everything it can to support the nuclear industry, particularly in West Cumbria, in the wake of the Brexit vote, to ensure that we remain a world leader in nuclear skills and innovation, and to close our country’s energy gap while honouring our crucially important climate change commitments."