The UK is here to stay

From page 6

relationship. On day one after Brexit things should operate exactly as they do now. That is also to all of our benefits.

Economically we should avoid pessimism. The UK is the EU’s largest trading partner, (and vice versa). We are one of the largest economies in the world. We have a legal system respected around the world. We are open to foreign investment. We encourage innovation. The UK is an easy place to do business. We have a talent for creativity and some of the best universities in the world. That will not change after Brexit. The UK will remain an advocate for free and equitable trade – indeed we will become an even more fervent advocate.

Our task, indeed our obligation, is to get this right. In that I am confident we will succeed. There are some who look at Brexit and believe it means the end of the UK. Indeed there are some who would like to see nothing better than for that to happen. I hate to disappoint them. The UK will remain an advocate for the rules based system internationally; will support democracy and human rights around the world; will be an advocate for free trade; will continue to meet our obligations to spend 0.7% of GDP on development; will work for the security of friends and allies; and will remain a major military power.

In short the UK is here to stay.

Yours faithfully, Greg Quinn British High Commissioner