Brexit: Shropshire's MEPs hail result as a victory for democracy

Two of the Ukip representatives for the West Midlands have hailed the decision as a "momentous day".

West Midlands Ukip MEP James Carver said: "This is a tremendous day for Britain and a victory for our democratic process.

"The British people have spoken, a new day has dawned and we have at last regained control over our own destiny.

"I am humbled by the amount of votes for leaving and delighted that the West Midlands returned the highest vote to leave at 59.3 per cent.

"This is not a time for gloating, it is a time for building bridges in a more democratic country.

"We have a bold bright future ahead which is to be eagerly welcomed and we must now work hard to control our borders and establish trade deals both with the EU and our Commonwealth countries and put the Great back in Britain."

Shropshire's Ukip MEP Jill Seymour echoed his remarks. She said: "This is a momentous day for Britain, and I'm so proud that people had the courage to vote for change, and the determination to take back control.

"But this is not a time for celebration – the hard work now starts. We need to roll up our sleeves and work on a cross-party basis to begin the task of repatriating decision-making powers from Brussels.

"The result sends a clear message to the powers at Westminster that people have become completely disenfranchised with their politics, and that the politicians have become completely detached from the issues which really concern the working man and woman.

"I have always believed that Britain is big enough and strong enough to stand on its own two feet, and to truly thrive when freed from the shackles of EU bureaucracy. Now we have the opportunity to prove it."

But remain campaigner Anthea McIntyre spoke of her regret over the result of the EU referendum.

The Conservative MEP for the West Midlands said: "I am bitterly disappointed that the people of Britain have decided to try their luck outside the EU. I think it is a decision we and future generations may come to rue.

"The EU is far from perfect, but like many others I felt strongly that on balance we would be safer, stronger and better of by remaining a member.

"The British people have decided otherwise. A result is a result, however narrow, and now we must pull together as a party and a nation to get the best for Britain."