The Government minister in charge of energy policy has visited the site of Cumbria's proposed nuclear new build.

Greg Clark, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, visited Moorside, near Sellafield, where NuGen hope to construct the power station.

His visit came following the first 'Cumbria Nuclear Conference' in Carlisle, which took place yesterday and Wednesday.

Tom Samson, Nugen's chief executive, met Mr Clark at the site.

He said: “I am delighted that the Secretary of State has taken the opportunity to visit the Moorside site in Cumbria to learn more about the progress we’re making and why our project will be transformational for communities across Cumbria.

“Nuclear new build will have a huge positive impact for the UK economy, with the creation of significant economic activity across the UK nuclear and construction industries and will also be an important catalyst for regional development activities within those communities closest to our site in West Cumbria."

“The visit to Moorside today is further evidence of the UK Government’s commitment to nuclear new build and NuGen is thrilled to be playing an important role to support the UK’s commitments to delivering affordable low carbon electricity by the mid- 2020s,” he added.

NuGen, a partnership between Toshiba of Japan and France's Engie, wants to build three Westinghouse AP1000 reactors at Moorside.

These would be capable of generating up to 3.8GW of electricity.

A final decision is due in 2018.