Medway MP Kelly Tolhurst will be voting to remain in the EU in the forthcoming referendum.

Ms Tolhurst, who is the member of Parliament for Rochester and Strood said she will vote to stay in the European Union on Thursday, June 23, after listening to both sides of the debate.

She said she had been genuinely conflicted over her decision and has not rushed to make a decision.

Ms Tolhurst said: " I will be voting to remain as part of the European Union. This is based upon my belief that the risks to my country will be greater if we leave than if we remain part of the EU at this point in time.

"Sadly, no one can accurately predict or give us cast iron guarantees of what the future will be in any given case, so for me it is a choice of the lesser risk.

"I truly believe that the recent renegotiation between the UK and EU is just the start of further reform within the EU. Many members’ states want reform, the residents of these countries want reform, and they will be looking to Britain to drive it.

"Contrary to wider belief, the UK retains independence on many issues. I believe that the renegotiation around access to benefits for EU nationals is a positive one, which works with our Immigration Bill to discourage people from coming here for the attractiveness of the UK benefits system.

"We also hold the option of requiring migrants to leave after six months if they have not found work.

"It is now for the British government to use the full powers it has, and continue push the boundaries, as part of a reforming EU.

"We know what we are getting with the EU - like it or not - however we don’t know what we will get if we leave.

"This is why our membership of the EU should always be under review should our respective interests or situation change, and is why I am pleased the British people will have their opportunity to speak."

Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti announced last week that he will be voting to leave the EU and Chatham MP Tracey Crouch is yet to announce her position on the issue.