Obama Says UK Voters ‘Have Spoken And We Respect Their Decision’

“The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision,” said US President Barack Obama said in a Friday statement following Thursday’s referendum in which the Leave Campaign received 51.9% of the votes, compared to 48.1% voting to remain in the European Union.

“The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdom’s membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of US foreign, security, and economic policy. So too is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond,” Obama said.

“The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world,” Obama added in the statement.