IN THE wake of the vote to leave the European Union, Remain In campaigner East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds says all the focus must now be on the future of this “new era.”

He said: “Obviously I am very disappointed by the outcome of the EU Referendum.”

“This was as full a participative democratic process as you could get. "Economists, businesses and others had set out their analysis. The debate engaged all sections of society.

“The turnout was high. The people have spoken and it is now up to everyone in politics and public life to move forward with positivity and purpose.

“Our country is in a new era and on a new path. We must focus all energies on getting the best possible outcome for Britain.”

And he praised East Hampshire Remain activists, who did enough to gain an 800 vote win for their campaign in Petersfield and across East Hampshire.

Mr Hinds said: “East Hampshire saw strong campaigning by volunteers from across the political spectrum and some really good debates, including the big Petersfield Post debate at St Peter’s church. “It was great to see such a large turnout in the poll locally.

“Although the result was narrowly in favour of Remain this result and other Remain results were not enough to outweigh what was happening elsewhere not only in shire counties but in traditional Labour heartlands in the Midlands and the North.”

And he says the subsequent announcement by the Prime Minister David Cameron to stand down in the autumn has also left him disappointed.

He said: “He has been an outstanding Prime Minister for the last six years, and leader of the Conservative party for ten.

“History will reflect on the achievements of his time in office, not least the formation of the Coalition, bringing our economy back from the brink, and the majority at the 2015 general election, against the odds and the pundits’ predictions.”