Commenting on the decision of the British people to leave the EU, Syed Kamall MEP, European Conservatives and Reformists group leader and London MEP, said:

"The British people have spoken and now we must respect their decision.

"Today the people of the United Kingdom must put behind us this robust and - at times - bruising campaign and look ahead to the future."

"Today, we will begin meetings to start work on finding a way forward that is agreeable to both sides."

"The EU would be mistaken if it wishes to send a signal to the rest of the EU by punishing Britain. I hope that we can see a cool and sensible reaction, that keeps in mind the need for Britain and the rest of Europe to continue cooperating in those areas where it is in our mutual interest. We now need to move on from being reluctant tenants to becoming friendly neighbours.

"The ECR Group will continue with its mission to promote urgent reform and decentralisation of the EU. We have grown to include MEPs from 18 countries because our message has resonated across the continent, and it will only grow stronger still if the EU now sees this as an opportunity for even more centralisation."

ENDS

Contact: ECR Press Office, James Holtum on +32 473 861762; james.holtum@europarl.europa.eu

The ECR was created to take the EU in a new direction, according to the principles of our founding Prague Declaration.

For more information on the ECR, watch our promotional video at http://youtu.be/F5syQt1JuQI or visit our website: www.ecrgroup.eu