Affinity Shipping founder Richard Fulford-Smith has come out strongly against the UK leaving the European Union in a so called Brexit.

Speaking at the TradeWinds Shipowner Forum at Posidonia, Fulford-Smith questioned those seeking to vote leave in the 23 June referendum.

"I'm absolutely appalled the people in our country think it's a good idea to break up one of the world's greatest trading blocks, by inviting the UK to exit it, which could trigger other problems for Europe," he said.

"I'm