Thousands of people in Dartford and Gravesham have signed a petition calling for a second referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU.

Last week’s Brexit vote shocked the world and led to the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron, with most of Labour’s shadow cabinet also quitting their posts.

Gravesham had the highest percentage of Leave votes in Kent with 65.4%, with Dartford not far behind on 64.2%. Both had above-average turnouts.

More than 50,000 people from Kent have signed a petition calling for another referendum, with close to 8,000 of those from Dartford and Gravesham by the time the Messenger went to print. Ukip leader Nigel Farage said a narrow win for Remain would lead to calls for a re-run.

But Prime Minister David Cameron has said the referendum was a “once in a generation, once in a lifetime” decision, saying the UK had “referendums not neverendums”.

Despite the petition’s popularity meaning it must now be debated in the House of Commons, a spokesman for the Prime Minister said a second referendum “was not remotely on the cards”. Dartford MP Gareth Johnson also dismissed it.

He said: “I find this petition astonishing. We have just had a referendum where the will of the people is to leave the EU. This is what people want.

“That democratic process has taken place and it must be respected. I will respect this democratic decision and it’s a shame that others seem to be prepared to ignore it just because they are disappointed in the outcome.”

The referendum saw 16.1 million (48.1%) of the electorate vote Remain, with 17.4 million (51.9%) for Leave.

“I find this petition astonishing. We have just had a referendum where the will of the people is to leave the EU. This is what people want." Gareth Johnson.

There was a similar divide when Gravesend's High Street shoppers were asked for their views on a second referendum.

Support worker Christine Burt, 63, of Culcroft, Longfield, said: “I think it’s possibly a good idea because then maybe the one million people that didn’t vote will do this time and that could make all the difference.”

Amanda Freed, 46, of Lorton Close, Gravesend, agreed. She said: “I’m happy with the result, but I think a second referendum is a good idea.

"Some people feel as if they got it wrong the first time, there was not enough education and this is a good way to try again.”

However, pensioners David Craig, 75, and Kenneth Munn, 83, both said there should not be a second referendum despite voting for Britain to stay in the EU.

Mr Craig, of Vale Road, Northfleet, said: “I’m not happy with the result but how many referendums are we going to have? Are we really going to do what Scotland have done, and as soon as the ink’s dry have another one?

"I do believe the European Community is getting too big, but I voted to remain, and although the leave campaign won, I am satisfied because it was a democratic vote.”

Mr Munn, 83, of Arthur Street, Gravesend said: “If we did have a second referendum nothing will change, nothing will even be done about this petition, thousands of names have already been removed.

"There are more people in my age group who voted Leave, older people are against immigration as we have to fund it through National Insurance and taxes. I on the other hand thought we would be better off staying in economically, for the sake of my pension.”