Obama: In wake of Brexit UK relationship endures

But European leaders made it clear they were keen to get the process over with as quickly as possible and wanted Britain to start talks immediately.

Slovakia’s far-right People’s Party on Saturday launched a petition for their own referendum on whether to leave the EU.

At Stanford University, on the USA west coast, where Obama joined a group of entrepreneurs at a meeting Friday, he repeated what was already expressed in the statement: “The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision”. “I want to reassure everyone that we are prepared also for this negative scenario”, he said in a televised address within hours of the result.

Labor foreign affairs spokesman Tanya Plibersek said the British vote pointed to “middle-class and working class voters feeling left behind”.

Mr Juncker said “it is not a good day for Britain and the European Union, but we must go on”.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who backed staying in, has said he’s going to resign by October.

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker had warned that “deserters will not be welcomed with open arms” as fears of a domino effect of nations trying to leave the EU grow.

Vice President Joe Biden, speaking in Ireland where he is making an official visit, expressed the administration’s regret about the vote but assured Britons that the bond between their two countries would remain strong.

“But while the United Kingdom relationship with the European Union will change, one thing that will not change is the special relationship between our two nations”. Le Pen is expected to perform strongly in next year’s presidential election.

“We must not resort to hectic activity, and act as if all the answers are ready”. One of its greatest problems, not just with the British but with the peoples of all member states, is its democratic deficit.

In Scotland to reopen a golf resort, he praised Britons who he said “took back control of their country”.

On Friday, European Parliament leaders said they also wanted a quick divorce from the United Kingdom, and that Britain must begin the process of leaving the bloc immediately.

“I trust the fact that these talks will take place in a positive and pragmatic way”, he said. And as a leading member of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, an organization that is becoming more relevant in view of Russia’s threats, Britain’s role in the collective defense of Europe remains crucial.

3 Finally, both sides approve the terms.