Britain has voted to leave the European Union.

In the biggest referendum decision of a generation, the British public has opted to withdraw its EU membership.

Following the dramatic result, British Prime Minister David Cameron has announced he will step down by October.

In south-east London, Bromley borough voted narrowly in favour of remain, with 92,938 pro-EU votes compared to 90,034 for leave.

The turnout was 72.06 per cent.

Bromley and Chislehurst MP Bob Neill described the overall outcome of the referendum as a "serious blow" to the City and business, adding "we need calmness and continuity to minimise the damage".

News Shopper: Bob Neill is aiming to be positive after winning the by-election

Bob Neill

Elsewhere Bexley borough bucked the trend for most of London as it voted to leave.

80,886 voted in favour of Brexit, while 47,603 voted to remain, with 75.03 per cent of people turning out.

MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup James Brokenshire said: "The people have delivered a clear result through the Referendum in wanting a new future for Britain.

News Shopper: Old Bexley and Sidcup MP James Brokenshire at the meeting.

James Brokenshire

"We must respect this result, unite and secure the best deal for our country outside the EU.

"David Cameron has given his heart & soul as Prime Minister and ensured this momentous vote took place. His dignified, emotional resignation statement underlines what a loss he will be."

Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce said the result will have a "seismic impact in this country and across Europe".

She told News Shopper: "It could lead to pressure from parts of UK to seek independence and could spark a rising wave of anti-EU feelings in other European countries.

"The economic arguments for and against UK remaining in the EU were complex and other issues came to the fore during the campaign.

"Although the decision was a vote to leave EU, there were almost as many people who wanted to remain.

"It is the job of politicians to keep that in mind in the months ahead."

She added: "I also believe the result is a wake up call to all politicians of all parties that many people feel disenfranchised from decisions that affect them."

News Shopper: Teresa Pearce, who objects to the division of Thamesmead under the new plans

Teresa Pearce

Bexleyheath and Crayford MP David Evennett added: "The people have spoken, and it is essential the Government now implements their decision to leave the EU."

Lewisham and Greenwich boroughs voted in favour of EU membership.

In Lewisham 86,995 voted to remain and 37,518 voted to leave. The turnout was 63.04 per cent.

Vicky Foxcroft, MP for Lewisham Deptford, said she was "deeply disappointed" with the result.

She added: "Here in London, we overwhelmingly voted to remain, it is so very sad that we are where we are.

"People have asked me what the future holds, to be honest, I'm not sure, but I do know this, we need to embrace the future.

News Shopper: Vicky Foxcroft selected as Labour's Lewisham Deptford candidate

Vicky Foxcroft

"We need to do all we can to ensure that we maintain good relations with our European friends, neighbours and colleagues and we need to ensure that all of the language of hate and fear that consumed both campaigns, doesn't become the language of our nation.

"This issue isn't going away and it shouldn't. We now need to focus on the negotiations and achieving the best deal possible for Britain."

In Greenwich 65,248 voted to stay in the EU, with 52,117 voting to leave. 69.49 per cent of people in the borough took part in the vote.

Meanwhile Greenwich and Woolwich MP Matthew Pennycook warned of "a period of huge turbulence ahead".

In north Kent both Dartford and Gravesham voted in favour of leaving the EU.

In Dartford 40,410 people voted for Brexit and 24,606 voted to remain.

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson said: "This is clearly a new era for Britain.

"I always thought that David Cameron's departure was a possibility if we voted to leave the EU.

"Dartford voted overwhelmingly to leave the EU and I am proud to have supported this position too. We are today entering a new chapter but I feel strongly that leaving the EU will ultimately be a good thing for the UK.

News Shopper:

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson

"There will undoubtedly be difficult times ahead but it is essential we keep our nerve. Britain can stand proud today and look forward to a better future.

"We are strong enough to make a success of this new direction for our country and so we need to take this opportunity to move Britain forward."

Labour leader for Dartford Jonathon Hawkes said in a statement: "In common with many in Dartford from all political viewpoints, I campaigned for a Remain vote.

"I don’t regret that, I thought it would be Dartford’s best interests in remain in the EU – I still do. However, Dartford – like many other parts of the country – wanted to go a different way. It’s time to respect the decision that people have made and look toward the future.

"It’s not a time for party politics – Council Leader Jeremy Kite and I disagree on many things, but where I know we are united is that Dartford will always be our priority and we’ll work together to make sure our town prospers and looks forward to the future together."

Swanley Town councillor Jim Halford, for Whiteoak Ward added: "I have not been this elated since my beloved West Ham won the League Cup 15 years ago.

"This will go down as 21st centry VE day."

News Shopper:

Cllr Jim Halford

In Gravesham there were 35,643 anti-EU votes, while 18,876 people voted to remain.