Yesterday our country took a momentous decision and the result was clear. I have not hidden my belief that I wished for us to remain in a reformed European Union and throughout this debate I have always listened to, and respected, the views and arguments of those who wanted us to leave and forge a new path.
One thing I have never doubted is the decision by the Prime Minister David Cameron to give the British people their say on this vital issue; it was absolutely the right thing to do and the last time we all had our say was over forty years ago. The British people deserved their say, demanded their say, and I am proud that it was the Conservative Party that delivered that opportunity to all of us. What cannot be disputed is that this debate, this vote, was a reflection of our country’s standing as the world’s greatest democracy.
Here in Rugby local residents turned out in significant numbers to cast their votes and it is clear that most wanted us to leave the European Union, in a result that mirrored the mood across the overwhelming majority of the country. I fully respect that decision and will continue to dedicate my time, as I always have since becoming Rugby’s Member of Parliament, to ensuring that the interests, and livelihoods, of local people are protected. We now face a period of uncertainty and it is imperative that the Government does all that is within its power to restore stability and reassure financial markets, and our trading partners across Europe and the world that the UK remains a thriving, dynamic, growing economic powerhouse that is still open for business.
I also want to pay tribute to the Prime Minister. David Cameron is an exemplary, and extraordinary, leader who rebuilt our economy and our public services and created a country of opportunity and prosperity. I believe that he will be remembered as a truly great Prime Minister.
We must now all move forward together united in our common goal to ensure that our country remains a forward looking, tolerant, thriving European nation. We are a great country and I will continue to work with, and for, the people of Rugby to safeguard our future and build upon the successes we have achieved together over the last six years.