Keir Starmer says SNP has ‘ran out of excuses’ after questions raised over payment to Spanish firm

Keir Starmer Criticises SNP Over Payment to Spanish Firm

In a recent development, Keir Starmer has criticised the SNP Government, claiming they are “out of excuses” following questions raised about a payment of £5.4 million to a Spanish recycling firm. The payment was made to Tradebe after a fire at its depot in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, back in 2021. Tradebe, a Barcelona-based company, had previously been awarded a £120 million contract in 2019 to handle hazardous waste, including human remains, from healthcare facilities across Scotland. However, due to the fire, clinical waste had to be transported to England instead.

Following the revelations about the payment to Tradebe, Bellshill MP Frank McNally raised the issue in the Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions. He expressed concerns about the handling of clinical waste disposal by the SNP Government and called for action to protect public funds and ensure public safety. In response, the Prime Minister agreed with the assessment, stating that the SNP Government has repeatedly failed in this area and now needs to take action with the resources at their disposal.

The contract with Tradebe was awarded in 2019 after the collapse of Healthcare Environmental Services (HES), which had faced its own controversies regarding clinical waste management. The collapse of HES left hundreds of tonnes of waste at its facility in North Lanarkshire, leading to a scramble to find a new company to handle medical waste. Tradebe’s appointment raised questions due to its previous involvement in pollution controversies.

Tradebe has since received additional funding from National Services Scotland (NSS), which manages contracts on behalf of the NHS. Both Tradebe and the Scottish Government have commented on the situation, highlighting the importance of clinical waste disposal for healthcare operations. While Tradebe has declined to provide specific details on its arrangements with NHS Scotland, a Scottish Government spokesperson emphasised that the contracts are between Tradebe and NHS health boards, not the government directly.

In summary, the controversy surrounding the payment to Tradebe has brought to light concerns about the handling of clinical waste disposal in Scotland. The criticism from Keir Starmer and other officials underscores the need for accountability and effective management of public resources in healthcare operations. It remains to be seen how the SNP Government will address these issues moving forward to ensure the proper handling of clinical waste and safeguard public safety and funds.