On Friday morning, as the result of the EU referendum was revealed, it became clear that we are now entering a very difficult and messy time for the UK. Whatever our views, we need to move forward and work together to ensure we avoid as many bumps on the road to Brexit we’re now on as we can.

Overnight, I was at the count in Spalding for the South Holland District Council area which was the second highest leave vote in the country. As a remain supporter, it was at times an uncomfortable experience but I’m pleased to say that even in this environment, there was no hostility directed towards myself or others who were clearly in the minority. This does give me optimism that we can now all cooperate in the interests of the UK.

I’m shocked and disappointed by this result but I respect it. I can’t support the calls for another referendum that has seen many sign a petition since the result was declared. I note that this was started last month rather than as a response to the result. It’s now reached over 2 million signatures.

The petition doesn’t itself call for a second referendum, it actually suggests the rules should have been that another would have been required if the result wasn’t greater than 60% in either direction. My own view is that we should only have another if circumstances change. This referendum has been and gone so clearly we can’t change the rules on which it was conducted.

Our focus must quickly turn to the present and the future.

Whilst Leave campaigners have quickly abandoned several of their promises, the sad fact is that warnings about the consequences of voting to leave are already coming true. The UK’s credit rating is set to be downgraded, splitting up of the UK looks more likely and the pound has dropped to a 31-year low.

These warnings were genuinely held fears for our future, not simply campaign tactics, so it should be understandable that many are upset about our future. We should also recognise that many of us will have friends, neighbours, or colleagues from the EU who are now worried about what this change may mean for their futures.

But we on the remain side also have a responsibility to do what we can to help. We all need to remember that if, as we have been warning, our economy does suffer a big hit, that is real people losing their jobs and we should not be seen to be celebrating our warnings coming true.

This is a time where we desperately need to show respect for others. Suggestions that those who are upset by this result should leave the country are just as unhelpful as attacks on older people for how they may have voted.

Since the result, we’ve seen thousands join the Liberal Democrats as we stand alongside the 16 million who rejected Brexit‬ as the loudest and clearest voices in support of a Britain that should be leading, not leaving the EU. If you share our vision for an open, optimistic, hopeful, diverse and tolerant Britain, please join us to make it happen.