Published at 11:09, Thursday, 28 June 2012

THE shadow energy secretary makes her first visit to Sellafield today.

Caroline Flint

Caroline Flint will meet management and unions only three weeks after the news that Thorp will close in six years’ time throwing doubts over 800 jobs directly linked to the oxide reprocessing plant.

On what is described as a private visit, she is keen to talk over various issues, listen to union concerns about future job security and the workforce’s hopes for a second Mox recycling plant which would absorb any employment losses and create new jobs.

The Labour MP took over as shadow energy minister last October from Meg Hillier. She had previously held ministerial positions under the previous Labour government.

Copeland MP Jamie Reed, who will be on the visit, said: “Labour’s shadow energy team remain absolutely committed to the success of Sellafield and West Cumbria. It’s important to work with government whenever possible in order to ensure we get the investment we need both for Sellafield’s missions and for nuclear new-build.

“This is an opportunity for Caroline to meet the workforce and the management teams and to sit down with the Sellafield Workers’ Campaign to understand where we are going and what our priorities area.

“This week I have met with ministers to discuss the issues and where there is common ground – we need to act decisively.”

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