The United Kingdom's referendum on its European Union membership was one of the biggest democratic exercises ever undertaken in these islands. More than 33 million British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens voted. The result, though close, was decisive. By 52 per cent to 48 per cent, the British people opted to leave the EU.
Prime minister David Cameron said it was not the result he wanted and announced his resignation. But he also made it clear "the will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered". The Conservative Party will elect a new leader on September 9th. All the candidates for the top job have committed themselves to negotiating the UK's EU exit.
The suggestion that parliament should overrule the referendum result (as it is not legally binding) does not reflect the political reality at Westminster.
So the UK is firmly on the path towards leaving the EU. For those who strongly supported the Remain campaign, this may be hard to swallow. But it is the new reality, which the majority of British voters supported. The challenge ahead for Leavers and Remainers is to make the best of the changed circumstances, which will contain opportunities as well as risks.
Until the UK leaves the EU, EU law continues to apply to and within the UK for rights and obligations. There will be no immediate changes, therefore, in the circumstances of British citizens living in other EU countries, nor for European citizens in the UK, nor in the way people can travel, goods can move or services can be sold.
Fundamental strengths
After leaving the EU the UK will be able to build on its fundamental strengths, which have not disappeared overnight. Britain has one of the world’s strongest major advanced economies. More people are in work in Britain than ever before. Inflation is low. The public finances are steady. The banking system is in much better shape than at the time of the financial crisis. As Cameron has said many times, the UK is quite capable of surviving and thriving outside the EU.
Another reason for optimism is that relations between London and Dublin are stronger than ever. Both administrations are determined that the progress of recent years should not be damaged.
We are very conscious of the benefits we both derive from our high volume of trade, our security co-operation, the ease of travel between us and the rights for British and Irish people to live and work anywhere in these islands. Strengthening Northern Ireland's peace process, on the basis of the Belfast Agreement, remains a paramount objective of both governments.
On instructions from Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the prime minister, Irish and British officials met in Dublin last week. We looked at the key issues – such as preserving the Common Travel Area – for our relations that are likely to arise in the forthcoming negotiations on the future relationship between the UK and the EU. The atmosphere of these talks was very positive and augurs well for the future.
Complex negotiations
These are uncertain times. But there is a process under way that will produce a new government in the UK. At some point, thereafter, the UK will start the complex negotiations to withdraw itself from EU membership and redefine its relations with the EU. The governments in Belfast,
Edinburgh
and
Cardiff
will contribute to the UK’s overall negotiating stance as we seek to ensure that their interests are protected and advanced.
Whatever the talks’ outcome, the UK will want to have the strongest possible economic relationship with our European neighbours. And we will give a particular priority to preserving and developing the many good aspects of British-Irish relations.
The words of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at the state banquet for President Michael D Higgins in April 2014 should act as our lodestone in the weeks and months ahead.
“The goal of British-Irish relations can be simply stated,” the queen said. “It is that we, who inhabit these islands, should live together as neighbours and friends. Respectful of each other’s nationhood, sovereignty and traditions. Co-operating to our mutual benefit. At ease in each other’s company.
“After so much chequered history, the avoidable and regrettable pain of which is still felt by many of us, this goal is now within reach.”
Now that this precious prize is within our grasp, I am confident the British and Irish governments will do everything in their power not to let it slip through our fingers.
Dominick Chilcott is the British ambassador to Ireland