The MP for Bethnal Green and Bow has condemned the government for failing to respond to residents’ fears about missiles being placed on a residential block during the Olympics.

It comes after Rushanara Ali attended a public meeting last week organised by residents to discuss the Ministry of Defence’s plans to base surface to air missiles on top of a watertower at Bow Quarter in Fairfield Road.

The site would form part of an Olympic ring of missile around London designed to defend the Olympic Park in Stratford from a September 11 style terrorist attack during this summer’s Games.

More than 200 people attended the meeting in Bow but the MoD failed to show up after being invited.

Ms Ali said: “The MoD completely failed to consult and engage with the residents of Bow about basing surface to air missiles on the building during the Olympic Games.

“At the meeting it was made clear to me that there is still much uncertainty surrounding the MoD’s plans.

“The very least the MoD could have done is sent a representative to the meeting to provide an explanation.

“Residents have a right to know what the implications of having missiles based on their roof tops will be. I now call on the MoD to co-operate and provide some clarity on this issue to my constituents.”