An Essex MP has called on for the county to get the same powers as Scotland.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Colchester's Sir Bob Russell told Prime Minister David Cameron more people live in Essex than voted “yes” for Scottish independence.

Speaking afterwards, Sir Bob said: “I am relieved that Scotland remains part of the United Kingdom – the countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland working together are better together for the benefit of all the people of the four nations.

“But what I am getting at is this. If it is acceptable for the people of Scotland to have more powers over their own affairs, including the levying and spending of taxes, then I believe the same basic principle should also apply to the regions of England.

“We can debate what is meant by a region, but my preference would be for the six counties in the East of England to be treated on equal terms as that which applies to Scotland.”