MIDDLEWICH MP Fiona Bruce has called for calm and respect going forward after the UK voted to leave the EU in last Thursday’s referendum.

The Conservative MP, who campaigned to leave the EU, has urged the Government to weigh up both sides of the argument as it develops a ‘new relationship’ with Europe.

Mrs Bruce said: “People on both sides of the referendum in this area voted for genuine and sincere reasons and it is vital that we respect that going forward.

“For me, the key reasons for voting leave can be summed up in the words ‘sovereignty, democracy and accountability’ – for our great country to make our own laws and for people to be able to hold to account those who do so.

“It is essential at this time that the Government continue to listen to people who voted on both sides and provide a calm and stable force through the process of developing a new relationship with our European neighbours which is not one of pulling up the drawbridge, but rather a positive engagement by the UK both with Europe and the wider world.”

Both Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester narrowly voted to leave the EU with 51.2 and 50.7 per cent, respectively, contributing to an overall majority of 51.9 per cent – more than 17 million votes.

Turnout was 77.3 per cent in Cheshire East, and 74.5 in Cheshire West and Chester.