Last Thursday, millions of people from across the United Kingdom voted in the EU referendum. The result was a clear majority of people expressing a desire to see Britain leave the European Union.
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who engaged with this debate and took to the polls on Thursday to cast their ballot in favour of the Leave, or Remain campaigns. It troubles me that 25% of the electorate did not vote.
Although I personally campaigned for Britain to remain in the European Union, I accept the democratic outcome of the vote on EU Membership and would like to assure residents that I will work hard to ensure that our region and the United Kingdom continues to thrive.
Now the referendum has been decided, we need to reflect on this decision and forge a clear way forward before we begin talks with other European leaders, establish a clear timetable for our departure from the European Union and work to stabilise our financial markets in the immediate wake of this result.
Whatever our views during the referendum campaign we must also come together with common purpose and, out of this result, build a generous and forward looking country, which can flourish as a strong global contributor – a builder of bridges, not barriers.
The referendum campaign has, at times, been fractious and emotions within our country are running high. I would therefore appeal to everyone who took part in this ballot to act with consideration for others. Amongst the many voters who cast their ballot in support of the Remain campaign, there is genuine concern for the future of our young people and the long term stability of our economy. Similarly, on the Leave side, there are legitimate concerns about levels of immigration and the sovereignty of our Parliament - all of which will need to be addressed in the near future.