Dover MP Gwyn Prosser has called for a debate in the House of Commons on the problems caused by strikes, blockades and stoppages by French workers.

Speaking in the House on Thursday, Mr Prosser said the action by the French was causing massive disruption to Dover and to the cross-channel ferries.

"The M20 has been closed again in order to stack up vehicles," he said.

"My colleagues and I have raised these matters with Ministers and with Kent County Council over a long period of time, but progress in resolving this serious problem has been very slow.

"It is a problem not only for Dover but for the road haulage system generally and for UK Ltd.

"May we have a debate in Government time to discuss the matter further?"

In reply, the Lord Privy Seal Harriet Harman said she would raise the issues with her ministeral colleagues in the Foreign Office and ask them to consider them "with the utmost seriousness" and to give their response to Mr Prosser in writing.

Miss Harman described Mr Prosser as "a champion of Dover and of its importance not only regionally but nationally".