MP Sue Hayman has said Cumbria can "lead the world" in a new nuclear technology.

She has called on the Government to support the research and development of small modular reactors (SMRs).

These are fission reactors which are smaller than conventional reactors, manufactured at a plant and brought to a site to be fully constructed.

They are seen as a way for the UK to provide low-cost, low-carbon, locally-produced and reliable energy, which would help meet future electricity demands without the need to rely on imports.

It as been predicted that the SMR industry could create 40,000 skilled jobs and bring in billions of pounds in investment.

Mrs Hayman, the member for Workington, was speaking in her role as co-chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Nuclear Energy.

She made the comments following the launch of the SMR National Endeavour Report at the Institute of Civil Engineers in London, which she spoke at.

Mrs Hayman said: “The UK and west Cumbria, has an opportunity to lead the world on SMR research, development and manufacturing. The SMR consortium in the UK is led by Rolls-Royce and in west Cumbria the National Nuclear Laboratory is carrying out critical research.

“But other countries are also investing in SMR technology, and without support and progress from the Government we could miss this fantastic opportunity."

“I told the audience that over the last two years there has been little interest from the Government, despite the efforts of industry and I am now going to increase pressure through the nuclear APPG to ensure that SMRs become a priority,” she added.

Other speakers at the event were Warren East, chief executive of Rolls-Royce, Paul Howarth, chief executive of the National Nuclear Laboratory; and Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA).

In a foreword to the report, Lord Hutton, chairman of the NIA and the former MP for Barrow and Defence Secretary, said: "It is vitally important to make the decision to move forward on this opportunity now."