Shadow Shipping Minister and Canterbury MP Julian Brazier has condemned the decision by Dover MP Gwyn Prosser to support the strike at the Port of Dover.

"It seems extraordinary that with a severe recession looming, a member of Parliament should be supporting strike action at a critical economic facility like the Port of Dover," said Mr Brazier.

"The action threatens Kent's roads and local commerce and the wider national economy.

"The plans by the Port of Dover to privatise certain functions were discussed with the government by the directors who are all appointed by the government. Something has gone very wrong when ministers don't appear to be consulting the local MP, even when he is one of their Party.

"More important it is grossly irresponsible of Gwyn Prosser to support this strike.”