Dear Editor,

The Referendum is over, Britain has spoken and the voters have chosen a future path outside of the EU. This was not the result that I wanted, but as a democrat I accept the will of the people.

I will not complain about the result, nor seek a second Referendum. Instead I will be focusing my energies on getting the very best possible deal from the EU in a post-Brexit world.

I have two priorities over the coming weeks. Along with my Conservative colleagues I will work to bring our party back together after what has been a passionate and heated campaign. Secondly, whichever side of the debate we were on, we must now reunite and put all our efforts into helping negotiate a smooth departure from the EU that safeguards Britain’s interests and recognises that we remain friends, allies and trading partners with our European neighbours.

In addition, once a formal notice to quit under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty has been triggered, there will be a two year period in which a deal will be negotiated. This deal will contain the input of MEPs (including British ones) and be approved by Parliaments on both sides of the Channel.

MEPs will have a role in building consensus within the European Parliament so that any negotiated outcome passes easily. I expect British MEPs to find themselves rather busy in the months to come.

Daniel Dalton

MEP West Midlands