Pro-Brexit photographer 'livid' after picture used in pro-EU leaflet Published duration 12 April 2016 Related Topics Brexit

image caption Mike Page's photograph has been used by the government in its £9m pro-EU leaflet

A pro-Brexit photographer says he was left shocked when one of his pictures was used in a pro-EU leaflet.

Mike Page took the image of the Port of Felixstowe, Suffolk, for use on the company's website and own promotional literature.

But he was left "livid" to find it in a government leaflet setting out the supposed benefits of staying in the EU, the Eastern Daily Press reported.

A port spokesman said there had been a mistake, which had been resolved.

'Fundamentally disagree'

He added: "It was one of a number of photographs we provided to the government.

"On this particular image there was a misunderstanding on the copyright but this has been resolved to Mike Page's satisfaction."

Aerial photographer Mr Page, 76, of Norfolk, said he had accepted a charitable donation from the port and he would not be taking matters further.

He added: "I absolutely would not have given my permission for this image to be used in this document because I fundamentally disagree with what it says.

image caption Mike Page said he did not want his work associated with the pro-EU campaign

"They are submitting that leaflet to every house in the UK and it has cost the taxpayers a lot of money.

"I certainly would not wish for my work to be associated with that and they used it without asking."

Mr Page does not benefit commercially from his photography, instead requesting that firms donate money to charity in exchange for their use.

Downing Street said it was given the image by the Port of Felixstowe, which gave permission for its use in the leaflet.

image copyright Getty Images image caption The prime minister recently told students at Exeter University he made "no apology" for the EU leaflet

Prime Minister David Cameron visited the port last month as part of the campaign to stay in the EU.

He appeared before shipping containers arranged to spell out the word "in".

The government has been criticised by Brexit campaigners for spending £9m of public funds on the leaflet