MPs have banded together to push the importance of dualling the whole A120 from Stansted to Harwich at Parliament's Westminster Hall.

Braintree MP James Cleverly raised the debate on Tuesday, calling on the Government to adopt the recently proposed new A120 dual carriage from Braintree to the A12 at south Kelvedon.

He was backed by Witham MP Priti Patel.

But during proceedings Clacton MP Giles Watling sprang up to call on the project to be expanded.

He said: "That stretch between Stansted and Harwich is an absolute nightmare and it has been for years.

"It is a trans-European network route where all the major cities are meant to be linked from Moscow to Berlin.

"This section is part of that and it is a two-way route, it's nonsense.

"I would like to take this opportunity to call for further works further along the line to complete that.

"It's crumbling now, it was built in the 70s and it beginning to fall apart - it needs a renewal.

"Why not get the whole thing done from Stansted to Harwich and finish the job?"

South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge said there needs to be an update on plans for a triple carriageway on the A12 saying both roads have to be seen as and "integrated project".

He added: "This is not just about Essex, it is not just about Suffolk, it's about the whole of East Anglia - it is a critical road for the East of England economy."

Colchester MP Will Quince said the route was unique in stretching from a growing international airport to a growing international port.

He added: "If we get the transport infrastructure right this will be a prosperity corridor coming from Stansted to the port of Harwich."

Harwich and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin said: "This debate showed the regions MPs are all on board in seeking major improvements to the road, and the Government is listening.

“The debate made clear the corridor, which needs improvement, extends from the airport at Stansted to the port in Harwich.

"Harwich must not be left out when seizing on these kinds of opportunities and as the UK leaves the European Union I have no doubt we will see more trade and movement through the Harwich Port.

"I welcome the Government’s response to the debate and I encourage everyone to keep pushing in the same direction to see this through."

To sign the Standard's petition calling for the Government to fund the dualling of the A120 to Harwich click here