英国司法大臣迈克尔·戈夫在英国脱欧公投后对媒体的讲话

Statement by Secretary of State for Justice Michael Gove after Brexit Victory

24 June 2016

I want to join Boris in paying tribute to the Prime Minister. He has led this country with courage, dignity and grace. He and the Chancellor rebuilt our economy. He has made opportunity more equal in our society. He has exemplified the very best in public service. He deserves to be remembered as a great Prime Minister.

He called this referendum, so the British people could decide one big question: should we leave the political structures of the European Union. The British people have given us all a very clear instruction, and I know that we in politics will work calmly, cooperatively and consensually to implement that instruction from the people.

The British people’s vote to leave is the start of a process, and while that process is ongoing, our existing trading relationships with the European Union and the rest of the world will continue as before.

In the coming days, government ministers and officials can meet to decide the next steps; officials and diplomats can start scoping out the broad parameters for full-scale talks with our European friends and with the institutions in Brussels. Our shared mission is clear: securing the best possible terms for Britain, and of course informal discussions should precede our formal negotiations.

Overall, the changes that we will see will be a process of gradual divergence and it’s important that representatives from every part of the United Kingdom, every community and different political traditions are involved in shaping our future and we should draw on wisdom from great minds outside politics.

As we move forward, we should be in no doubt that Britain is embarking on a new chapter, but one that is in line with our best traditions. We have always been an open, inclusive, tolerant, creative and generous nation – open for business, open to trade, open to other cultures, open to the world. Now, we have a new chance to extend that openness even further.

We can build a new, stronger and more positive relationship with our European neighbours based on free trade and friendly cooperation. We can have democratic consent for an immigration policy that is fairer and more humane. We can demonstrate that our progressive, liberal and democratic traditions are being renewed and (that) we stand with all our allies as resolute as ever against intolerance and oppression. We can take our place as a self-governing democracy alongside other great nations working for greater global development, security and prosperity.

And we can now, calmly and united, take our country forward in the spirit of the warm, humane and generous values that are the best of Britain.

Thank you.