RYEDALE MP Kevin Hollinrake said he accepted the UK's decision to leave the EU and said it was now time to work together.

In Ryedale 17,710 voted to leave the European Union with 14,340 to remain. Turnout was 77.2 per cent, with 41,529 residents eligible to vote.

Mr Hollinrake said: “Today is a day for national unity, the Government has clearly heard the views of the people and now the work begins to implement change. The majority of residents in our constituency expressed their wish to leave the EU, and I will do everything I can to make sure that this is done in a way that benefits our businesses, jobs, households and daily lives.

"This decision just goes to show that democracy is alive and well and the people really are in charge. We must take a calm and rational approach to dealing with the immediate uncertainty and the likely economic headwinds that we will see.

"If we work together, locally and nationally, we can make the very best of this decision and use it as a platform for the change that the British people want.

"As I have said before and during the campaign, concerns over unsustainable levels of migration have been ignored for too long and we now have an opportunity to deal with this.

"Let’s be clear, this is a world-changing decision which will have profound consequences. Sadly, the Prime Minister has decided that the challenges ahead will require new leadership and I understand his position that a new approach to our relationship with Europe is required. I would, however, like to recognise his excellent work in turning round an economy gripped by the deepest recession since the Great Depression.

"We have excellent business people, an experienced government and respected diplomats; the work starts today in the challenge of securing economic stability and agreeing a new trading relationship with our biggest partner. I know many will be worried about the short term impacts on their jobs and businesses, the status of UK citizens living abroad and those from other EU countries living and working here, but I do believe that we can successfully meet these concerns. In life, as in business, we need to embrace change and move forward to a positive and prosperous future."

Carolyn Frank, a member of Helmsley in Business, said: “As a supporter of the Business For Britain campaign, I think the result is the right one for business.

"There will be a period of economic uncertainty as with any major political change but I feel that long-term the prospects for the UK will be much better, and it's an exciting time to be a small business. I was pleased to see such a high turnout at the polls.

"For us it's now business as usual, looking after our jewellery customers, I am relieved that the campaigning and debating is over and think we all need to move forward from this historic event in a constructive way.”

Councillor Linda Cowling, leader of Ryedale District Council, said: “I am delighted at the outcome of the referendum - yet deeply disappointed that David Cameron felt he needed to resign.

"My own feelings reflect the result in Ryedale and nationally. Nobody thinks that the next few months and years will be easy, but both sides now need to work together to achieve the best result for our country.

"Ryedale District Council will need to assess the implications for our council locally.”

Coun Keane Duncan (Norton East) said: “Whatever side of the debate you are on and however you feel about the outcome, the Prime Minister must be congratulated on offering to the bulk of the British people their first ever say on our membership of the European Union.

“Nationally, and locally here in Ryedale, I welcome the frenzy of debate that the referendum has generated about our place in the European Union and the highest turnout in Ryedale since the 1992 general election.”

Di Keal, Liberal Democrat District and Town Councillor for Norton West, said: "This is a very sad day for the UK and Ryedale. People have voted through fear and misinformation and I believe that they will live to bitterly regret voting to leave the EU.

"The Leave decision will have huge implications on our daily lives - people are now threatened with increased mortgage costs as interest rates rise, lower pensions, more expensive holidays abroad and the benefits that people have enjoyed that were protected by the EU, such as Maternity Pay and employment rights, will be at risk.

"I also fear for future of young people - many of whom voted to stay in Europe. This decision will limit their ability to study, live and work in the EU. It was so wrong that 16 year olds weren't allowed to vote in the referendum, as it is their future that this referendum was all about.

"David Cameron had no real choice but to resign, but everyone should be concerned about who will succeed him and the potential for politics in England to lurch to the right with all the damage that will bring to the lives of hard working people and the most vulnerable in society."