Kent MPs have welcomed the result of the Scottish referendum after voters rejected a break-up of the union.

The No campaign claimed victory early today, with 55% of people turning down independence.

Politicians south of the border have hailed it as a "fantastic" result for the United Kingdom.

But Dartford MP Gareth Johnson said he wants to see reforms that would mean only English MPs voting on English issues.

Responding to calls to consider what is known as "the West Lothian question", he said: "We need to look at giving greater powers to England, as well as Wales and Ireland.

"My gut feeling is that we need to bring in a convention that ensures only English MPs vote on English issues. It seems to me that there is a desire now for some of the unfairness that applies to England to be tackled.

"We have listened to the views of Scotland and now we need to listen to the views of England."

But he said there should not be any move to new forms of regional government, as some have suggested.

"I would not want to create an extra tier of bureaucracy," he added. "The Conservatives have been at the forefront of localism and we want to empower local communities more than they have been."

Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke said on Twitter: "Fantastic the United Kingdom won last night.

"And that there is increasing recognition that England needs a bigger say over English matters."

Responding to calls for the people of England, Wales and Northern Ireland to have a bigger say over their affairs, South Thanet MP Laura Sandys said: "The people have passion and the politicians have power.

"Time to reverse this! We will all be stronger with a much more decentralised state."

But Rochester and Strood MP Mark Reckless took a lighter tone on the social network.

"I am so pleased to be able to tell the children this morning that Mummy won't be becoming a foreigner," he said.

North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale said: "I welcome the fact that the Scots have rejected the separatists' cause.

"The break up of the United Kingdom would have had disastrous consequences for Scotland and for the rest of the Union.

"The break up of the United Kingdom would have had disastrous consequences for Scotland and for the rest of the Union..." - Sir Roger Gale MP

"I am, though, concerned that we appear to be about to rush into legislation to honour commitments given on the hoof and without consultation with parliament during the campaign while leaving Wales, Northern Ireland and most particularly England trailing in Scotland's 'Home Rule' wake."

Ashford MP Damian Green said: "With thanks to the good sense of Scotland it's back to work and a packed Kent Chamber of Commerce breakfast. Much praise of apprenticeships."

And East Kent Scots Society president Neil Farquhar, who lives in Sandwich, said: "I am 100% chuffed that is was a no.

"This is what I would have voted if I could have. We're better together, for sure."

"It's a great decision. Scotland will have a better outcome with a no vote than a yes. It would have been a nightmare for three months with currency and everything else.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Alex Salmond tries it again but I hope not."

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Five reasons Scotland is closer than you think

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Better Together campaign leader Alistair Darling described the referendum result - with turnout topping 90% in some places - as a "momentous day".

Prime Minister David Cameron made a speech in Downing Street this morning, saying the debate has been "settled for a generation".

He has promised new powers for Scotland, but has warned the voices of the rest of the country must now be heard.

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