LUDLOW MP Philip Dunne has pledged to do all he can to limit any damage that might be done to people in Ludlow and south Shropshire as a result of the referendum vote.

Philip Dunne, who advocated Remain, said the Government will respect the voice of the people. He undertook to work to mitigate any potential impact of leaving on families in Shropshire.

The MP who is also Minister for Defence Procurement, also said he understood the Prime Minister’s decision to step down in time for the Conservative Party Conference, in October.

“While I supported Remain, I was always clear that this was a major constitutional decision for the British people to make," he said

"The Conservatives have delivered a manifesto pledge to give the British people a choice. The UK has voted to leave, as has Shropshire. The Government will respect this vote and will now begin the process of leaving the EU, while also focused on delivering our other manifesto promises.

"The Prime Minister has taken a personal decision to step back, and allow another leader to take Britain forward as we arrange an orderly exit from the European Union. He has done a magnificent job as Prime Minister for six years and as leader of the Conservative Party for over ten years. He has been an outstanding leader of our nation and our party and I shall be very sorry to see him go. His speech was characteristically dignified, responsible and clear. He will stay on to provide stability, while a new leader is selected."

Harriett Baldwin, the MP for West Worcestershire and City Minister responsible for the regulation of financial institutions has so far not commented on the result. She was a strong supporter of the campaign for a 'Remain' vote.

Andy Boddington, a Liberal Democrat and 'Remain' supporter has painted a brave face after people in Shropshire followed the rest of England, outside London in voting to leave the EU.

"This was not the decision I wanted. I don’t think it is the best decision for Shropshire or Ludlow. But it has been made. We must now all work together to make it work," he said.

"The worst thing could happen is that some politicians continue to fight a decision that has been made by the electorate. We have two years to create a new way of working in business and government that is independent of the EU. It is not going to be easy. The referendum campaign pulled us apart. Now we need to pull together for the sake of all of our futures.

"That means a lot a work at local level as well as in Whitehall.

"The EU was to invest £710 million in the West Midlands in the next five years. At least £2 million will come to the Shropshire Hills here in the southwest of the county. We need to ensure that rural areas like ours are not disadvantaged as we unwind our relationship with the European Union.

"George Osborne, chancellor of the exchequer, threatened an austerity budget if the leave vote won. Another dose of austerity will destabilise our fragile economic growth. The best move the Conservatives can make now is to sack David Cameron and George Osborne. We need a new team of fresh thinkers at the top."