An MP wants EU nationals living in his constituency to know "how much he appreciates them", despite voting to leave in last week’s referendum.

Leyton and Wanstead MP John Cryer issued a statement after he voted to leave the European Union on Thursday (June 23) reassuring EU nationals living in the area that his vote was not “nationalist” or “xenophobic”.

The Labour politician is known for his long-held Eurosceptic views, but did not campaign alongside the official Vote Leave figures.

He said: “I voted to leave, not because I am a nationalist or a xenophobe, but because I am a socialist and a democrat.

“In my view, the EU is not Europe, but an elitist and largely unaccountable construct that has undermined democratic governments and is too closely linked to the corporate world.

“I may have voted to leave the EU, but that is no endorsement of the official Vote Leave campaign or of Nigel Farage and associates, both of whom contributed to a shamefully divisive tone to this referendum at times.”

He went on to reiterate his praise for the contributions made by EU nationals living and working in Leyton and Wanstead.

He said: “I represent a multi-cultural and diverse community with residents from all backgrounds and nationalities.

“My own views on the EU have nothing to do with my work as a local MP, which is to serve and fight for every constituent, regardless of their voting history, place of birth, nationality or mother tongue.

“I would hate to think any EU nationals among my constituents would feel unwelcome or undervalued by the referendum outcome.

“And I want them to know how much I appreciate the contribution they make to our public services, economy and communities.”

Cryer claimed his main reasons for voting to leave were the European Commission and Council of Ministers' lack of accountability and transparency and the European Court of Justice’s “consistent rulings in the interest of big business and against trade unionists”.

He added that he supports the work of the European Court of Human Rights, but the European Court of Justice would make it harder for the UK to protect its workers’ rights, attempt to renationalise its railways and maintain the Royal Mail.

He said: “The vote has shown big differences across the country, including London.

“The ‘political class’ now needs to listen, learn and understand these reasons and try to bring the country together.

“It will not be easy, but it is what we must do.”

Cryer and his colleagues in the Parliamentary Labour Party are currently voting on a vote of no confidence in their leader Jeremy Corbyn, after his EU campaign efforts divided the party and saw dozens resign from his shadow cabinet.

Although it would add to mounting pressure on Corbyn to resign as leader, the vote is not binding.