SOUTH Somerset MP Marcus Fysh has called for Britian to come together following last Thursday's historic vote to leave the European Union.

Mr Fysh, who campaigned for vote Leave during the referendum, said he was pleased that members of the British public had turned out in force for the vote, but said it was now that the hard work started.

Mr Fysh said: "I want to thank everyone who took part in the EU Referendum last Thursday.

"Whichever way you voted, this was the biggest democratic exercise in living memory.

"In South Somerset 79 per cent of eligible voters cast their ballot - a very high turnout - and 57 per cent voted to leave the EU. I attended the count and in Yeovil, Crewkerne and Chard the vote appeared to be even higher for Leave.

"I want to reassure everyone that as well as effectively instructing Parliament to increase accountability in politics, this vote gives our country a superb opportunity to reset our relationships with EU member states.

"It does not mean less engagement with European friends, allies and partners. On the contrary we can look to deepen our links, and I will be pressing for the upcoming negotiations to take a positive and empathetic approach, as well as robustly standing up for what we need.

"This way we can get the best possible arrangements that work for Europe and those from Europe who live here too.

"Work has already started on the negotiations, and I would encourage anyone with ideas about what positive changes they would like to see achieved through them, whether in business or otherwise, to get in touch so I can feed them in.

"One of my first calls on the day after the vote was to the management of Leonardo (Westlands), and our relationship with Italy will be one of my main focus areas. I raised the prospect of redoubling defence co-operation with European partners, and supporting UK defence industries more, in the House of Commons on Monday and Tuesday.

"I would like to see trade remain free between the EU and the UK, for necessary workforce still to be able to travel freely and cheaply, and for co-operation on security for Europe and on equipment to increase.

"As of writing this on Tuesday, I know that in just the last 24 hrs we have been contacted by India, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand, wanting to start talks for their own free trade with us.

"This is just a taste of the global opportunity which is here now. It is going to be an incredibly busy time but I truly believe with the right attitude if we seize it we can make a really positive difference to our economy and outlook.

"It will not of course always be easy, and I am sorry David Cameron will be stepping down. He gave us this opportunity and deserves our deep gratitude for setting our economy on the right track so we come at it from a position of strength.

"I wish the process were such that the Prime Minister's successor could be in place sooner, but it should be complete as soon as it can be, by the beginning of September, and much preparatory work on the negotiations is happening in the mean time.

"I wish to end by saying we now need to come together as a community. Whichever way the vote went, many would have had to come to terms with the democratic result and make it work.

"Intolerance and bitterness have no place, and on the contrary we must now show ourselves to be the friendly, open, outward-looking and welcoming people I know we are."