The council has called for a second vote on whether the country leaves the European Union.

Backers of a “people’s vote” point to the £2.6million the borough gets from EU funds, the presence of 41,000 EU citizens in Tower Hamlets and the potential impact of Brexit on small firms and businesses as reasons to remain.

Mayor John Biggs said: “Tower Hamlets voted overwhelmingly to remain and it is right and fair that we have a people’s vote.

“There is a great deal of uncertainty over Brexit and the government seems unwilling or unable to stand up for the communities and businesses that will be affected by it.”

A government spokesman said: “The people of the United Kingdom have already had their say in one of the biggest democratic exercises this country has ever seen.

“The prime minister has made it clear that there is not going to be a second referendum. Our focus now is on getting the best deal possible - one that allows us to take back control of our borders, laws and money.

“Talks are progressing well and we’re confident we can achieve the broadest and deepest possible future partnership with the EU covering more sectors and co-operating more fully than any free trade agreement anywhere in the world today.”