The U.K. has voted to leave the EU and there will now be economic and political turbulence.   

I am deeply disappointed by the result of the referendum.

• I campaigned hard for us to remain in the EU. 

• The overwhelming majority of Labour supporters backed the UK remaining in the EU and

• 73% of Southwark residents backed remaining in the EU. 

But we have to acknowledge the result and strive for the best future for this country in the circumstances which now face us.

The leaders of the Leave campaign promised that:

• There would be no shock to the economy and that it would grow

• People will not be hit by price increases

• That pay will go up for low paid workers

• That they'd invest more in the health service

• That they'd have a fair immigration policy

• That they would not unravel the rights at work that the EU guarantees

They must be held to account to deliver on those promises.

We, in the Labour Party, must ensure that the burden of the economic problems which the country  now faces does not fall hardest on those who can least afford it.

We must not let the Tories allow the poorest regions to fall further behind.

And in London, all politicians, both MPs, GLA members and councillors, must work together to support London's economy and services.

And we must banish the intolerance and hatred which was engendered by the leadership of the Leave campaign and which must be no part of the politics of our democracy.