Since the referendum, many people in Cheadle have written to me sharing their concerns about the outcome of the vote and many have signed a petition for a second referendum calling for a vote in Parliament to overturn the decision.
For my part I was of the opinion that Britain was stronger in the EU but I respect the decision reached by the British people. The results are clear, Britons have decided that the UK should leave the EU, and Parliament now has an instruction to provide for this choice.
In the meantime, and during the negotiations ahead, there will be no change to people's rights to travel and work, to the way our goods and services are traded, or to the way our economy and financial system is regulated.
The Treasury, the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority have spent the last few months putting in place robust contingency plans for the immediate financial impact in the event of this result, and the Bank stands ready to provide £250 billion to continue to support banks and the smooth functioning of markets.
The Chancellor has been in contact with fellow European finance ministers, central bank governors, the IMF, the US Treasury Secretary and the Speaker of Congress, and the CEOs of major financial institutions so that collectively we keep a close eye on developments.
Negotiations will now be taken forward by a new leader, one who I know will share the Prime Minister's passion to deliver the best for our country. I have great respect for our Prime Minster, David Cameron, we have made great strides under his sound leadership and I believe we will benefit from his economic legacy in the years to come.
Britain is a great country, our peoples' resolve and innovation make us an economy and society that can survive and thrive outside of the EU and I am fully ready to support it. As your Member of Parliament, in the months and years to come I will continue to press for investment in our local infrastructure, whilst representing the concerns and aspirations of my constituents in Cheadle as we plan for Britain's future.
Further information:
House of Commons Library EU referendum hub:
- The Referendum Explained: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/research/eu-referendum/
- EU Referendum: Impact of an EU exit in key UK policy areas: http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/CBP-7213
House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee Report:
- 'Implications of the referendum on EU membership for the UK's role in the world': http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201516/cmselect/cmfaff/545/5…
I would also encourage constituents to consult the websites of the official campaign groups as determined by the Electoral Commission:
- Leaving the EU: http://www.voteleavetakecontrol.org/campaign
- Remaining in the EU: http://www.strongerin.co.uk/