MEP Richard Ashworth has hit back at the French and their lack of "European solidarity" in bringing an end to the SeaFrance industrial dispute.

And he has written to the President of the European Parliament to make a statement on the strike on Monday.

Mr Ashworth said: "The French are usually the first to talk about 'European Solidarity' in Brussels but they don't seem to care less when their internal disputes cause misery to everyone in south east England.

"This situation is becoming extremely frustrating in Kent. Unfortunately, it seems all we can do at the moment is stamp our feet and complain to the French authorities and the European Union.

~ Speak out on Stack. Have your say on the misery >>>

"France is facing an economic 'moment of truth' similar to that in Britain in the 1980s. While I welcome the French President's resolve to reform France's uncompetitive employment practices, he must not stand by while industrial action obstructs European trade links."

Freight and passenger ferry services P&O and Norfolk Line say they are running to busting point as they attempt to ship hundreds of lorries stuck on the M20 to their destinations, while SeaFrance staff continue to strike over their salaries.

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Friday marked the ninth day since Operation Stack was implemented because of French industrial action and more than 1,200 lorries are currently queueing between junctions 8 and 9 as they wait to cross to the Channel. The operation was stood down temprorarily on Sunday but is expected to be reintroduced on Monday.

Mr Ashworth added: "The vast disruption being caused by this action also raises questions about capacity and vulnerability on this cross-Channel route. Given the strategic importance of Dover to the entire country’s economy, it is concerning how easily passage across the Channel can be disrupted."