I’M WRITING to pay tribute to the strength of conviction shown by those West Midlands residents who voted to Leave the EU in last week’s referendum.

I know that they thought long and hard about their decision and many made it in the face of opposition from friends, colleagues and relatives. I genuinely believe that it was right choice and once the dust has settled all of us will see that for sure.

My thanks must also go to the hard working campaigners - from across the political spectrum - who stood by their principles, and refused to crumple under ‘Project Fear’.

It was a democratic election and it goes against those principles and beliefs to countenance the prospect of a second referendum.

We must now move forward together for the best of our country, free once again to make our own laws and control our own destiny.

I will continue to represent my constituents to the best of my ability, as I have always done, until such time that my services are no longer required, as a result of me, effectively voting myself out of a job.

James Carver MEP, UKIP West Midlands