A PLOT by the leader of the Conservatives in Europe to scupper Liverpool’s bid for a cruise liner terminal where voyages can start and end has been discovered.

Martin Callanan MEP, who represents North East England, is trying to use European laws on competition and regional aid to block the city’s attempts to enter into one of travel’s most lucrative sectors.

This is despite Tory ministers at Westminster saying they are prepared to consider Liverpool’s proposal as part of their plan to regenerate areas of Northern England.

You can click here to see our Get On Board campaign mini-site, supporting Liverpool's bid.

A letter composed by Mr Callanan, seen by the Daily Post and circulated to approximately 20 British MEPs from across the political spectrum for signing and sending onto the EU Commissioners for Competition and Regional Policy, said jobs will be put at risk in other regions if Liverpool was made a “turnaround” port.

The letter read: “We firmly believe that Liverpool City Council’s proposal is likely to lead to unfair competition and constitute illegal State Aid.

“It will also have a damaging effect on cruise business in competing ports in the UK and other parts of the EU, which will in turn inflict serious harm on the economies surrounding these ports.

“We therefore strongly urge the Commission to address our concerns as a matter of the utmost urgency.”