REMAIN campaigners have said Brighton and Hove should break away from the rest of the UK and become the Monaco of the south coast of England.

More than 1,500 people have signed a petition calling for a referendum to declare the city independent from the UK.

Supporters have said the city, in which nearly seven out of ten voted to Remain, would then be able to choose our own path.

Douglas Smith, who set up the petition, said: "We have emphatically stated our intention and desire to remain part of the EU.

"If the people of England and Wales have the right to choose to separate from the EU, we reserve the right to disagree with their choice.

"A local referendum should be conducted to allow the same democratic process that has taken place to pull us out of the EU to enable citizens to decide their own future here in Brighton and Hove."

The idea for the People's Republic of Brighton and Hove came about after last year's general election when the city bucked the regional trend by voting in the only Green MP and the only Labour representative in the south east.

Writing on the People's Republic Facebook page, Mr Smith said of the petition: "It's a combination of a protest petition, but also a serious call for devolution of powers to give local government control over what happens so we are less effected by insanity in Westminster and the rest of the country."

Scores of Brightonians have taken to the Change.org website to state their support.

Jacob Allen said: "I want my city to be the Monaco of Britain. We fundamentally disagree with almost everything our Government does or tried to do, therefore we need a revolution for devolution."

Rebecca Chester said: "I'm signing because we have always been different and have often wanted autonomy from the rest of the UK.

"Now we are stranded here in a sea of blue. If the UK really is to dismantle itself then I would very much like to follow suit. Brighton and Hove wants to be part of the EU and no longer governed by the Tories."

Kelly Sands added "This is Brighton and we do things differently" while Christopher Golt said: "Brighton has its own opinions and views that seemingly will never be recognised fully elsewhere."

One Facebook user suggested the Royal Pavilion could become our Parliament while others have drawn up designs for Brighton and Hove's very own passport.

Supporters have even recorded a Brighton and Hove national anthem and a flag has been designed.

To find the petition visit change.org and search "People's Republic of Brighton and Hove".