Deliberate trespass needs to be made a criminal offence, MPs have urged.

Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois participated in a debate on Gypsies and Travellers in the Commons on Monday, led by former Tory minister Andrew Selous.

South Essex has seen a number of illegal traveller sites set up, including on Southend seafront and various green spaces across the area.

Mr Selous argued that the "time for endless, constant reviews is over" and said the government should "hang its head in shame" that more had not been achieved.

The government is currently preparing its formal response to a consultation on the law around unauthorised caravan sites and developments.

Mr Selous added: "Travellers and the families that travellers illegally let their caravans to on Travellers' sites often have no proper sewerage, water or heating and there is no proper mechanism in place to ensure decent standards of housing.

"The whole situation is a complete disgrace in the United Kingdom in 2018, and government ministers and officials responsible for this policy area should be hanging their heads in shame."

Mr Selous and Mr Francois are among those who support the Irish Option, which would see the country copy Ireland, where deliberate trespass was made a criminal offence in 2002.

Currently, it is only a civil matter.

Mr Francois told the meeting England was "regarded as something of a soft touch" among the travelling community.

In response, communities minister Kit Malthouse told MPs the communities secretary had recently met the Irish government to discuss their approach.