A demand for more powers to protect London from a post-Brexit economical slump has been voiced by Mayor Sadiq Khan, who said it needs to happen "right now".

Speaking to business leaders on Tuesday (June 28), the Labour Mayor said: "On behalf of all Londoners, I am demanding more autonomy for the capital - right now.

"More autonomy in order to protect London's economy from the uncertainty ahead, to protect the businesses from around the world who trade here and to protect our jobs, wealth and prosperity."

However, Mr Khan stressed that this in no way meant a devolution which made London independent.

"As much as I might like the idea of a London city state, I'm not seriously talking about independence today," he said.

"I am not planning to install border points on the M25."

The announcement comes as a petition to separate London from the rest of the UK reaches nearly 176,000 signatures a mere five days after the country voted for Brexit but London, on the whole, voted to Remain.

London largely voted to remain in the European Union in the referendum , with only five boroughs voting leave in the capital, including west London's Hillingdon area .

'More control to protect capital's economy from Brexit fallout'

Khan pushed the government to move quickly on devolution powers, asking for greater tax-raising powers, city planning, health, transport, the courts and public services.

He also added London "doesn't want a bigger slice of the British pie", but more control of the "slice of the pie we already get" in order to protect the capital's economy from potential Brexit fallout.

The Mayor’s call was today backed by business and Government leaders from across London.

Jules Pipe, chair of London Councils, said: “London government is speaking with one voice on this issue.

"We need more power over our own destiny to help cope with the fallout of leaving the EU.”

Sadiq Khan addressed business leaders at the Times summit on Tuesday (June 28)

Baroness Jo Valentine, CEO of London First, added: “The Mayor is right that we must remain part of the single market.

"London businesses are absolutely clear this is critical to protecting jobs and prosperity, not just in the capital but across the whole of the UK.

"We also need London to keep the economic engine running by having the levers to drive forward projects such as Crossrail 2, doubling housebuilding and improving skill levels.

"Where the mayor needs more powers to act, he should be given them.”

Professor Tony Travers from the London School of Economics, said: "There should be no political block to making devolution to London (and other British cities) happen fast.

"This is a rare opportunity to reshape our constitution to ensure London has the powers it needs to allow people more direct access to those who make decisions about their city.

"Whitehall is remote even to Londoners.

"The lesson of last week’s vote is that people want to be listened to.”