People in Medway are being given a ‘referendum’ on whether they would like to stay in the European Union.

Rochester and Strood MP Mark Reckless launched a poll to gauge constituent views on his website.

He said: “I have consistently campaigned for an EU referendum. I believe Britain should be an independent country, trading with Europe but governing ourselves and controlling our own borders.

“I won a Parliamentary vote to secure the first ever cut to the European Union budget, as well as persuading the Prime Minister to agree an In/Out referendum on our membership of the European Union by 2017.

“It has been nearly 40 years since the British people last had their say on Europe. In that time, so much has changed – the countries involved, the powers devolved, the benefits and costs of membership.

“People feel that the EU is heading in a direction they never signed up for which is why I believe residents in my constituency deserve a say.”

The campaign was launched this morning the Strood Conservative Club, in Cuxton Road, Strood.

Freepost reply ballots will be sent to every household in the Rochester and Strood constituency over the next week or you can vote online by visiting www.markreckless.com

Mr Reckless added: “This is not about party politics or the next general election.

"Fundamentally this is about democracy, and giving people a chance to decide, once and for all, whether the EU is right or wrong for Britain."