TWINNING Brighton with a place like Barcelona would signal the city's European identity in the face of Brexit.

The day after thousands signed a symbolic petition stating Brighton and Hove could become independent like Monaco there has been more suggestions about how the city can show its support for the EU.

After the idea of twinning was suggested to The Argus Jason Kitcat, former city council leader and now micro-business ambassador for Hove accountancy firm Crunch, said it would be a way of the city signalling its pro-European identity.

He added: “I don’t know why in the past twinning hasn’t happened, most places do have twin towns so there is no reason that couldn’t happen."

Mr Kitcat suggested Barcelona and Malmo as possible twin cities.

Nick Mosley, director of Brighton and Hove Food and Drink Festival, said: “We would wholeheartedly support any further integration and partnership working with fellow gastronomic tourism regions in Europe and globally."

And Richard Williams, chairman of Brighton refugee charity Sanctuary on Sea, suggested Genoa as a twin city.

"It’s got great migrant integration, it’s welcoming to outsiders, it’s a city by the sea just like us,” he said.

Eleanor Harris, CEO of the British Airways i360, said “I think it’s a great idea to twin the city with others in Europe to show that they are very welcome to come here - perhaps we should look at cities by the sea that have a lot in common with Brighton and Hove.”