Sue Ferns, senior deputy general secretary of Prospect union, said:

“This is devastating news for Cumbria and the wider energy sector.

“The nuclear industry and wider supply chain currently employ thousands of people in the North West of England. The long term future of this could be on the line if we can’t move forward with building Moorside.

“Government has ultimate responsibility for ensuring a secure and stable supply of energy throughout the UK. The truth is that Ministers have dithered and delayed for far too long. We now need urgent action.

 

“Our analysis shows that if the government were to take a 50 per cent stake then there would be a net benefit to the public purse, so there really is no excuse not to.

“We have a huge skills base in this country which is at risk. For the sake of jobs, skills, growth and security of supply it is vital that the government now gets a grip on the future of this industry.”