Smith & Nephew: Hull Labour group asks government to step in

Hull City Council's Labour group says the Lib Dem-led local authority is refusing to hear an emergency motion opposing Smith & Nephew's plan to leave the city after 166 years.

The medical equipment maker has decided to relocate to a new £80m site in Melton, East Yorkshire, eight miles (13km) from its current home.

Labour called the move a "body blow to the local economy" and said there was space close to the existing site.

The council has been asked to comment.

In a statement, Smith & Nephew said it was unable to find an appropriate site in the city.

The firm employs more than 800 people locally and has been based in Hull since it was was founded in 1856.

The Labour group has called on the government to "live up to levelling up promises" and to intervene.

It hoped to discuss the move during a full council meeting on Thursday, but claims the Liberal Democrats "refused to hear" the emergency motion.

Mike Ross, Liberal Democrat leader of Hull City Council, previously said he would have preferred the company remained within the city, but he was "optimistic the new location - just a few minutes up the road - means our residents will be able to keep their jobs".

Daren Hale, St Andrews and Docklands ward councillor and former Labour leader of Hull City Council, said: "It is disgraceful that the Lib Dems are running away from debating this very important local issue that impacts on our local city economy and local jobs.

"Instead of being 'optimistic' that people could keep their jobs, as Councillor Ross stated at the time of the announcement, he should be standing up for the city and its economy."

A Smith & Nephew spokesperson said: "[We] worked closely with Hull City Council but we were unable to find an appropriate site within the city, with Melton West business park being identified as the closest available suitable location.

"Smith & Nephew is committed to continuing to work with the council and other stakeholders regarding future options for the current site."

A government spokesperson said: "The government is investing in Hull with over £19m through the levelling up fund to support regeneration of the city.

"Hull has also benefitted from over £141m of local growth funding to support businesses, improve infrastructure and enhance skills across the Humber."

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