PRIME Minister Gordon Brown said yesterday that a Middle Eastern developer’s decision to go ahead with the creation of a new deep sea port on the banks of the River Thames showed a massive vote of confidence in the UK’s economic recovery.

Mr Brown said that the development of the London Gateway port, which will be situated on the north bank of the Thames, near to Thurrock, in Essex, would bring with it jobs growth and prosperity.

Developer DP World – which is the port arm of Dubai World – yesterday said it was pressing on with the £1.5bn project.

Politicians have feared for the future of the project after DP World took stock amid a steep downturn in global trade.

DP World said construction work would begin but added that the project would be kept under review.

Mr Brown yesterday visited the port construction site with Business Secretary Lord Mandelson.