A Sussex MP has told the House of Commons many people in the South East are against the idea of regional assemblies.

English regions are to get the chance to have their own elected assemblies under plans announced in the Queen's Speech.

In a debate during question time on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott was questioned by Conservative MPs.

During the debate, the former Conservative minister Nicholas Soames, the MP for Mid Sussex, said his constituents were happy with current local government arrangements.

Mr Soames is the MP for mid Sussex

Mr Soames said: "Is he aware of the campaign in West Sussex called the 'Keep It Local' campaign where the desire really does remain to keep county council government closest to the people and not to go down the regional assembly route?"

Mr Prescott said support for a regional assembly was at its lowest in the South East.

Polls suggest about 49% of respondents were in favour, Mr Prescott added.

"If the South East don't want to have an elected assembly, they won't choose to apply for the referendum, probably the referendum won't take place and they can continue with the existing county council structure," he said.

Opponents of regional devolution say county councils would be abolished as the extra layer of government is introduced.