‘Just because I voted leave doesn’t make me a sell-out,’ says 45-year-old Farooq.

Following the EU Referendum vote last week there has been a surge in racist incidents across the UK. But what of the Asians who decided to vote Leave? And how do they feel a week on from the vote?

Farooq Khan runs his own garage and says he does not regret voting leave. “Before the vote last week I was adamant I was going to vote Leave. I also made sure my family voted out.

“I vote out because I felt the UK would benefit from more investment. I know some of the promises made are now turning out to be not true, but if there was a vote tomorrow I would still vote out.

“We can get on without the European Union.

“Also a big issue was the number of people wanting to come to the UK. When our relatives came here it was different.

“Now people just come for benefits. I know Pakistanis who come here and don’t do any work and stay on benefits.”

When we pointed out that Pakistanis were not from the EU Farooq said, “Yes, I know that but they get in to Europe and then make their way to the UK.”

Tan Patel, 33 who is an office worker said people should accept the decision, “Say what you want but the decision was about immigration.

“I spoke to a wide range of people and most of them felt they didn’t want Iraqis and Syrians coming to the country.

“Just because my parents were refugees from India does not mean I should invite the rest of the world to the UK.

“Why can’t we say this without saying, 'look at your own family?' We should be allowed to say what we want.”

Shazia runs a small business. She said, “I voted Leave and I did start to regret it the day after.

“The EU has done nothing for my small business and I thought the money would be directed to the UK.

“Also I read that the UK would do more trade with Commonwealth partners like India and Pakistan. I know this was rubbish now.

“My whole family voted Leave last week but if there was an election tomorrow I would do the opposite.

“I think if you are Asian and you tell people you voted Leave they look at you in shock.

“What is done is done now and we have to face the consequences.”

They weren’t alone in their views. On the day of the Referendum result we had the Muslims for Britain organisation which is headed by Saqib Bhatti, Iftikhar Awan and Aftab Chughtai post this statement.

“On the June 23rd, we witnessed what we believe was one of the greatest acts of democracy in our nation’s history. Muslims for Britain welcomes the decision of the British people to leave the European Union.

“We are proud of the spirited and passionate case Muslims for Britain supporters and activists made from across the country.

“We thank them for the hundreds of hours of campaigning they did over the last few months.

“To our fellow Britons – however you may have voted. Now that the referendum is over, let’s work together strengthen our country economically and socially, the country of which we’re so proud of. Let’s work towards a new politics that works for all.

“We love this country and we will do everything in our power to work for its unity, prosperity and well-being.”