The British people have voted to leave the EU.
It is not the result that I, or the majority of the people of Cheltenham voted for. But in a democracy, the will of the people must be respected. And so, whilst I do not resile from a single argument I made in favour of Remain, I recognise that we must now put disagreements behind us and focus on the future.
In doing so it is absolutely essential that we do not turn our back on Europe or the world. Over the coming weeks and months we must re-emphasise to our friends and allies that we are an open, tolerant, outward-facing nation. And we must come down hard on those who are using this as an excuse for the kind of ugly bigotry that I thought we had left long behind.
Thoughts have turned to the next Prime Minister. I was saddened and disappointed by the decision of David Cameron to resign. He has been a strong and able leader. He is also an honourable man, which is no doubt why he took the course he did. Many of us - Remainers and Brexiteers - wish he could have seen his way to stay.
In making my own choice for his successor, my first and only priority is the interests of our country and our town. I became an MP to fight for social mobility, opportunity, quality public services and a strong nation state. Any leader I choose must share those values, and must commit to resist the break-up of our United Kingdom.
Above all we need economic stability. When I said in the campaign that the foundation of a strong NHS was a strong economy, that was not a slogan: it was a fact. So in hearing from the candidates I will be assessing who is best placed to stabilise and grow our economy over the coming years. Crucially too, I want to see who can articulate a clear and coherent vision for our relationship with the EU. What, in simple terms, is the plan? The leader I pick must share my belief in the need for the closest possible trading arrangements with our European partners.
I want to end by thanking the 500+ constituents who have contacted me about Brexit. It is not possible to reply to all in person, but I have read every single email.
This is an unsettling time for our country. Now we must hold our nerve. We can have a bright future, and I am determined to fight for it. Here in Cheltenham the campaigns for fair schools funding, jobs, investment and the NHS go on.