RADICAL plans for Scotland to control its air passenger taxes are a “slap in the face” to the North-East, say campaigners, who last night urged ministers to protect the region from being overshadowed by its rival north of the border.

The Government’s devolution deal for Holyrood includes proposals to let it abolish levies on flights from the UK. North-East MPs argued Scottish airports must not be allowed to undercut Newcastle and Durham Tees Valley – grabbing airlines and passengers.

Dave Laws, Newcastle Airport chief executive said he was “extremely concerned” by the move which he predicted would mean 1,000 fewer jobs and £400m lost from the regional economy by 2025.

Chancellor George Osborne has been urged to resolve the wrangle in his Autumn Statement next week.

Ahead of a visit to the region today Labour Leader Ed Miliband promised he would give the North-East the muscle to compete for investment and jobs if his party wins next year’s General Election.