A Medway MP has today defied party officials in a bid to stop the bail-out of European countries.

Mark Reckless, who represents Rochester and Strood, led a two-hour debate this afternoon on the way Britain has stepped in to help Portugal, Greece and Ireland out of financial mess.

The government wants an arrangement where only Eurozone members are bailed out and limit the UK's liability. Mr Reckless wanted the government to stop the bail-outs altogether.

The government's amendment was carried by 267 votes to 46.

In his closing speech, Mr Reckless said: "The government agreed the bail-out is illegal, but they aren't going to do anything about it. Enough is enough. Our constituents' money is being thrown away. It is good money being thrown after bad."

Earlier, Mr Reckless (pictured above) said Britain was borrowing more than the countries it was aiding to the tune of £13.5 billion.

The help was equivalent to £500 for every household in Britain, he added.

He attracted support from both Labour and Conservative MPs as he urged treasury ministers to refuse any cash to the bail-out.

Mr Reckless said the government did not have the authority of the country to help out nations who had done nothing to control their spending.