Barrow getting new government funding to help boost nuclear industry
They'll get at least £180 million over the next decade
Last updated 25th Mar 2024
Barrow is set to get at least £20 million pounds a year from the government for the next decade.
It's part of plans to invest in the UK's defence and civil nuclear industry.
Ministers says we require 50% more highly skilled workers in the nuclear industry in the next ten years.
It's hoped it'll help the sector fill 40,000 new jobs by the end of the decade.
The Prime Minister is visiting Barrow today (Monday 25th), declaring a ‘national endeavour’ to secure the future of the UK’s defence and civil nuclear industry.
The Government is partnering with industry, including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, EDF and Babcock, to invest at least £763 million by 2030 in skills, jobs and education. The investment will support plans to double the number of nuclear apprentices and graduates and quadruple the number of specialist science and nuclear fission PhDs.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
"Safeguarding the future of our nuclear deterrent and nuclear energy industry is a critical national endeavour.
"In a more dangerous and contested world, the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent is more vital than ever. And nuclear delivers cheaper, cleaner home-grown energy for consumers.
"That’s why we are investing in Barrow, the home of UK submarines, and in the jobs and skills of the future in the thriving British nuclear industry. Today we usher in the next generation of our nuclear enterprise, which will keep us safe, keep our energy secure, and keep our bills down for good."
The Barrow Transformation Fund will be managed by the Barrow Delivery Board in collaboration with local leaders, who will allocate funding to areas of greatest need.
Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems Chief Executive and member of the Nuclear Skills Executive Council said:
"Barrow is at the heart of the UK’s submarine enterprise and as the custodian of our submarine design and build capability, we’re incredibly proud of the role we play in the Astute, Dreadnought and now SSN-AUKUS programmes."
John Healey, Labour's shadow defence secretary, welcomed the Government's commitment but said Labour had "long argued" for ministers to secure jobs in Barrow and that Britain would be "better defended" under his party.
But SNP defence spokesperson Martin Docherty-Hughes MP condemned the plans to "waste another £200 million" on nuclear and accused both main parties of focusing on "the wrong priorities".
"It is grotesque to throw another £200 million down the drain when the Tories and Labour Party both claim there is no money to improve our NHS, to help families with the cost of living or to properly invest in our green energy future," he said.