UK's Withdrawal from the EU

Thank you for contacting me about the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

The British people voted in a national referendum to leave the EU. Turnout was larger than at any election since 1992 and no Prime Minister or party in British history has ever received as many votes as there were votes to leave. The Government has a duty to deliver the referendum result and it will do so in the national interest.

I want to be clear, however, that the UK's vote to leave the EU was in no way a rejection of European values. The UK's dedication to ensuring the continued prosperity of the European people remains resolute and it is unconditionally committed to maintaining the security of the continent. We may be leaving the EU but we are not leaving Europe. We will always work with our international partners to defend democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Article 50 has been invoked. The UK will leave the EU in March 2019. An implementation period will allow businesses time to adjust but it will be strictly time-limited. There should be no doubt that the UK is leaving the EU and its institutions.

Thank again for taking the time to contact me.