UKIP’S transport spokeswoman has called on the government to reject the proposed new Thames crossing in Thurrock.

MEP Jill Seymour said air pollution, an already overstretched road network and a flawed business case meant the proposals were a non-starter.

Ms Seymour is first politician from outside Thurrock to slam the plans.

She said: "Air pollution in Thurrock is already appalling high. According to Government statistics, six percent of deaths are attributed to air pollution and these proposals are only likely to worsen the situation.

"Thurrock's roads network is already over stretched, in many cases the increases in traffic is putting Thurrock in a dangerous position if emergency services are required to cross the borough quickly.

"The business case is flawed. The cost of £6billion returning only 5,000 jobs is not value for money at £1.2m per job. UKIP have previously called on Conservative to cut other failed transport policies such as HS2 and this appears to be another one of their white elephants.

Ms Seymout added: "I call on Patrick McLoughlin MP (Conservative Transport Secretary) and Lilian Greenwood MP (Labour shadow) to announce where their parties stand on the issue. I have a feeling the calls will be met with silence. It is a shame that only UKIP are willing to show national support against the project."