MPs have flexed their political muscle to urge Seven Seas to stay in Hull in an unprecedented show of cross-party unity.
Nine MPs – Labour and Conservative – have signed a letter to the Mail, saying the historic firm's withdrawal from the region would be "the wrong decision at the wrong time".
It comes almost half way through a 90-day consultation that may result in the historic Hull firm moving its commercial operations to London. About 250 people could lose their jobs if the company goes ahead with its plan.
In the strongly worded letter – headed "Seven Seas must support Hull and the Humber in its time of need" – the MPs say they are "deeply concerned" at the likely outcome of the consultation.
They write: "We welcome the ongoing dialogue with employees, unions and stakeholders but believe the decision to go has already been taken.
"Seven Seas is synonymous with Hull and the region's fishing heritage.
"Founded 77 years ago by Hull's trawler owners, it has long been a household name, employing generations of people from Hull and the surrounding area.
"We are in unprecedented times and the Humber economy faces particularly challenging conditions.
"The company is blaming a failing economy for its need to outsource production.
"However, we believe this move is based on other factors."
The MPs says the withdrawal of Seven Seas from Hull would undermine confidence in East Yorkshire and damage economic recovery.
Their letter states: "We would urge Seven Seas and its German- based owners Merck KGaA to stay in Hull and ask them to support Hull and the Humber, as the region has supported them over the years."
The letter was organised by Hull East MP Karl Turner and signed by other city MPs Alan Johnson and Diana Johnson, as well as Haltemprice and Howden MP David Davis, Graham Stuart in Beverley and Holderness and Brigg and Goole's Andrew Percy.
From the wider Humber region, Great Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell, East Yorkshire MP Greg Knight and Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin have also added their signatures.
Mr Turner said: "There's not a lot MPs can do if a private company decides to up sticks and leave, but I'll continue to raise it in Parliament, as will my colleagues from across the parties.
"I'm privileged my Conservative colleagues are just as concerned as I am about this and we're not going to let then go without a fight.
"We're all united on this mission."
