CUMBRIAN MPs say they will work together to discuss issues that affect the whole of the county.

The five Conservative MPs in the county are to meet regularly in an effort to promote Cumbria and make the Government aware of what the county has to offer nationally.

Topics and projects in previous parliaments that Cumbrian MPs have worked together on have been said to have included transport and infrastructure, tourism and local government.

Newly-elected MPs in the county will join Carlisle MP John Stevenson in continuing the meetings.

Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry joined the MPs in a recent meeting.

Barrow and Furness MP Simon Fell said: “These meetings are crucial to ensuring that Cumbria’s voice is heard in Westminster.

“It was great to have the northern powerhouse minister along to our meeting so that we could let him know about our priorities, and how we’re working together to ensure that no part of Cumbria is left behind.”

Trudy Harrison, the MP for Copeland, said: “It is great to be working with colleagues who share a common ambition for Cumbria, working together without the divisions of politics ensures the focus is on progress.”

The Cumbrian MPs will aim to meet monthly as a group. They say they will invite relevant leaders from Cumbria to Westminster to discuss topical issues.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron, the only Cumbrian MP who is not a Conservative, has not been involved in the meetings.

Mr Farron, a Liberal Democrat, said: “It’s disappointing that this has been turned into a Conservative-only affair. My view has always been that the best way to get stuff done for local people is to put party politics aside and work cross-party.

“I’ve found this especially in my role as chair of the all-party parliamentary groups on hill farming and radiotherapy. My door is always open to working with MPs of any parties get the best deal for Cumbria.”