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Exclusive: NuGen CEO 'certain' Moorside will go ahead

The company behind a planned new multi-billion-pound nuclear power station in Cumbria is "110 per cent certain" it will be built.

The future of Moorside has been thrown into doubt by the financial troubles of Japanese giant Toshiba, which owns NuGen.

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WATCH: New nuclear plant 'will go ahead'

Here's Katie Hunter's exclusive interview with NuGen Chief Executive Officer Tom Samson. Mr Samson says he's certain the plant will go ahead.

Copeland Mayor: Moorside will have 'lasting legacy'

An impression of what the Moorside development could look like. Credit: NuGen

The Mayor of Copeland says he has complete confidence that the Moorside nuclear project will go ahead, and leave a "lasting legacy" in west Cumbria.

Plans for a multi-billion-pound nuclear site have been thrown into doubt by the financial struggles of Toshiba, the Japanese company that owns NuGen, who are responsible for Moorside.

NuGen is now carrying out a strategic review, to determine the future of the nuclear development.

Mike Starkie said he had discussed the problems with NuGen's CEO Tom Samson today.

It is crucial to West Cumbria that this project goes ahead to ensure that we have jobs and prosperity secured for present and future generations, ensuring a lasting legacy.

We believe this is the best of UK sites for investment, and as the Centre of Nuclear Excellence, we are well rehearsed in dealing with large scale nuclear projects.

I have today (Wednesday) spoken with the CEO of NuGen, Tom Samson, and I have had a frank and honest discussion with him. I am reassured that the reasoning behind the strategic review is to ensure that the Moorside project is on the right track and the commitment to its delivery assured.

– Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland

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Moorside: Toshiba considering 'sale of shares'

Toshiba is involved in NuGen's strategic review of Moorside. Credit: Rodrigo Reyes Marin/AFLO/Press Association Images

Japanese conglomerate Toshiba is considering selling its shares in NuGen, the company behind a proposed new nuclear power site in Cumbria.

Toshiba is set to take full ownership of NuGen, because of the withdrawal of another company, Engie.

However due to financial difficulties, the firm wants to put nuclear projects outside Japan on hold.

Following an exclusive ITV Border interview with Tom Samson, the CEO of NuGen, Toshiba has released the following statement:

Toshiba and NuGen are undertaking a strategic review of its options towards continuation of the project. We cannot comment on its details.

With regard to Toshiba’s involvement of the project, no details have been decided yet, but we would like to explore alternatives, including sales of the shares, while carefully monitoring the situation, in consultation with other stakeholders including the British government.

– Toshiba spokesperson
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