Calls for Hull to play key role in vaccine rollout

HULL East MP Karl Turner says the Hull to Zeebrugge freight route could form a key element of the Covid-19 vaccine supply chain.

Last week, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German partner Biontech announced their vaccine for the virus may be 90 per cent effective after successful initial trials.

Under an early access deal, Britain is promised 30 million doses of the vaccine by the middle of next year if regulators give it the final go-ahead.

One of Pfizer’s two sites designated for vaccine manufacture is near Antwerp in Belgium.

Mr Turner said the location of the manufacturing facility meant it could be shipped into to the UK at Hull from Zeebrugge if current route operators P&O maintain freight services between the two ports.

He has been lobbying the company over its current review of its operations on the route.

While P&O has yet to confirm the outcome of the review, unions claim P&O plans to end passenger services on the route after 46 years, leaving a reduced freight service.

Mr Turner said: “Any delay in the distribution of a vaccine against Covid-19 would be unacceptable but with the dual threat of congestion at the Channel ports and reduced capacity on the Zeebrugge-hull line, that is a very real prospect.

“P&O have received government support during this coronavirus crisis to maintain the crucial route, but there is a danger they will walk away from their obligations.

“The Government must step in to ensure we have the capacity and the infrastructure needed to distribute this vital vaccine to the UK’S worst-affected areas in the North of England.”

He warned that the expected removal of the Pride of York ferry from the Hull to Zeebrugge route would mean reduced freight capacity between the two ports.

As the sole freight operator of the route, Mr Turner said it was vital for P&O to give a long-term commitment to the route as part of an agreement with the Government.