Stephen Timms has said that he expects the momentum of Newham’s regeneration to be lost as a result of the EU referendum.

The East Ham MP, who campaigned on the Remain side, said: “I’m pleased that Newham voted to remain.

“I’m obviously disappointed the country as a whole voted to leave.

“We have done very well in east London since the Olympic Games and I think that some of that momentum is going to be lost.”

He said that there was a lot that needed to be worked out in the coming months and years, including Britain’s membership of the single market.

A decision on how the country trades with other European nations could have implications for the planned Royal Albert Dock business district by Chinese developer ABP.

Mr Timms said: “I was in Beijing last weekend, meeting people from ABP, and they are very committed to coming but who knows where we may be in 10 to 20 years?”

Meanwhile the Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, called for people to respect the decision.

“We must respect that the people have spoken and voted against remaining part of the European Union,” he said.

“In Newham we will continue to work with our neighbours and encourage all residents to come together and respect each other irrespective of their ethnicity or background.

“I am proud of Newham’s diversity and am convinced that we must all rally against the ‘politics of fear’ to ensure Britain remains a safe, inclusive society.”