Politicians from across Essex joined forces to call for the dualling of the A120 between Braintree and Marks Tey during a debate in Parliament.

Braintree MP James Cleverly and Witham MP Priti Patel were joined by colleagues including Colchester MP Will Quince, South Suffolk's James Cartlidge and Giles Watling, MP for Clacton, in demanding the road's inclusion in the 2019 - 2024 Government's Road Investment Strategy.

Earlier this month, Essex County Council announced its preferred route for the new road, calling for residents and businesses to now get behind the A120 campaign.

Speaking during the debate on Tuesday, June 19, Mr Cleverly said: "We have a fantastic opportunity ahead of us.

"We are now talking about international trade really, for the first time in a generation.

"For a road in the home counties, with an airport and a seaport, to still be so under-resourced is no longer acceptable.

"I ask Government to look seriously and sympathetically at the route that Essex County Council has put forward as its favoured option, because if the Government are able to support it, we can help the Government to pay the bills."

Ms Patel said too many people were getting hurt and injured on the road, which was no longer fit to carry the type or amount of traffic using it every day.

"The number of fatalities and road accidents that take place on the A120 is simply appalling," she said.

"In particular, the 12-mile stretch of carriageway between Braintree and Marks Tey has the greatest number of problems.

"This stretch of the road, which runs mostly through the Witham constituency, is one of the 10 most dangerous in the country."

She added: "Too many people are getting hurt and injured on this road."

Ms Patel requested a meeting to discuss the stalled A12 widening scheme, saying delays were causing "uncertainty" in Essex.

An announcement on the scheme's included in the investment strategy is due to be made next year.