Manfred Weber comments on the outcome of the UK referendum

"We respect and regret the decision of the British voters. It causes major damage to both sides, but first of all to the UK. However, this was a British vote, not a European vote. People in other countries do not want to leave Europe. There are clear majorities in favour of the European project. Cooperation within Europe is a question of the ability for Europeans to determine their own way of life. It is our goal to effectively combat growing nationalism and populism.

Europe needs a time of reflection. We want a better and smarter Europe. We have to convince people and find answers to the big challenges of our times such as security and migration. A strong Europe is a life insurance for all its Member States.

Respecting the democratic decision of the British voters also means that the exit negotiations should be concluded within two years. From our point of view, there cannot be any special treatment for the United Kingdom. The British people have expressed their wish to leave the EU. Leave means leave. The times of cherry-picking are over.”