Tim Farron MP thanks voters despite UK voting leave

The Lib Dem leader said: “My thanks go to all those who voted in the referendum. South Lakeland’s choice to back ‘remain’ made me proud to represent our area.

“My thanks go to all the Lib Dem councillors, activists and volunteers who helped to make the case for Europe and deliver this result.

“Unfortunately, across the country there was a different picture. I am devastated and I am angry. Today we wake to a deeply divided country.

“Nigel Farage’s vision for Britain has won this vote, but it is not a vision I share.

“Young people voted to remain by a considerable margin, but were out voted. They were voting for their future, yet it has been taken from them.

“Even though the result was close, there is no doubt that the majority of British people want us to leave.

“Our fight for an open, optimistic, hopeful, diverse and tolerant Britain is needed now more than ever.

“Together we can still make the case for Britain’s future with Europe, as millions of people voted for it. Together we cannot afford to let that vision to die.

“This self-inflicted wound will be Cameron’s legacy. This is his failing. And when the call went out to Jeremy Corbyn, he refused to answer. Their self-interested political maneuvering has taken our country to the brink, and we are toppling over the edge.

“The Prime Minister must now act quickly to steady the economy, reassure the markets, and immediately set a new course. If he cannot do this immediately, there is no possible way he can remain in office.

“The Liberal Democrats will continue to stand and fight for a better kind of Britain than the one painted by the leave campaign - tolerant, openhearted, optimistic and outward looking. If you are as angry and heartbroken as I am, I need you to join us today.”