Since the EU referendum campaign in 2016, I have been unchanged in my view that remaining in the EU would be the best future for our country. Manchester Withington voted overwhelmingly to remain and I know that there will be many of my constituents who are saddened by the prospect of the UK leaving the EU tonight.

Despite Boris Johnson’s claims that he will ‘get Brexit done’, the fact is that our negotiations with the EU are only just beginning. EU nationals, local businesses and many others in our communities are facing a great deal of uncertainty over the next 11 months as the Government negotiates a trade deal.

I want to reassure all my constituents – particularly those who are EU citizens – that I will be here to help and represent them whenever I am needed over the coming months. My office can be contacted on 0161 445 0678 or jeff.smith.mp@parliament.uk.

I also want to reaffirm my commitment to doing everything I can to prevent the UK from crashing out of the EU without a deal at the end of 2020. As we are to leave the EU, I believe we must maintain as close an economic, social and diplomatic relationship as possible.