West Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge says a referendum should be held on the death penalty.

The UKIP leadership hopeful also said three strikes should mean life behind bars for violent criminals.

Mr Etheridge, who also represents the Sedgley ward on Dudley Council, believes the time is right to allow a full and open debate on the issue.

The death penalty for murder was abolished in Great Britain in 1965, and in 1973 in Northern Ireland.