INVESTMENT in UK ports is being damaged by moves to open services to competition, MPs have been told.

A European directive could force the owners of ports to allow other companies to operate services, such as cargo unloading.

PD Ports, which operates Teesport, said the directive puts investment, safety and jobs at risk.

The directive could require a port owner who had made a major investment to hand its assets over to competition from another operator within only ten or 15 years, MPs have warned.

The European Union's Access to Ports Directive was rejected by the European Parliament in 2003, but has now been revived.

Major ports and trade unions representing port workers are united in opposition to the plans.

Transport Minister Karen Buck launched a fierce attack on the directive and pledged that Britain would fight to change it.

The Transport and General Workers' Union has also voiced fears about the possible safety implications of putting services such as cargo handling out to tender.

Ms Buck told MPs in a Commons debate: "We are well aware that uncertainties surrounding the directive are already having a significant impact on UK port investment plans."

PD Ports has warned of the "increased danger" posed by crews racing to unload their cargo faster in the hope of winning contracts from port operators.