I campaigned for Britain to remain in the EU, so I was disappointed with the outcome, but I respect the choice of the British people. 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 the vote to leave did. Our withdrawal will be delivered in the national interest and the country will regain its sovereignty in full. The crucial point now is to achieve the best possible outcome for all of this country in both the short and long term.
Nobody should believe that the negotiation process will be brief or straightforward. It is going to require significant expertise and a consistent approach. However, I am confident that with Theresa May as our Prime Minister, we will be able to form a new partnership with the EU and build a more global Britain. The Prime Minister set up a European Union Exit and Trade Cabinet Committee, with twelve full-time members carefully balanced to ensure an equal number of pro-Leave and pro-Remain Conservative ministers. I do not believe that cross-party committees would be advantageous to making progress on these negotiations.