MP '˜hopes jobs are not lost' in EU exit

Fylde voted 57 per cent to 43 per cent in favour of leaving the EU

Mr Menzies said: “I put politics to one side on this issue – it’s about what is right for my constituency.

“We’ve been fighting hard for companies like BAE that had previously said staying in the EU was important for its business and therefore thousands of workers.

“I just hope in the event of a Brexit jobs are not lost on the back of this.”

He also praised Prime Minister David Cameron and said he does not deserve to lose his position as a result of the Leave outcome.

Speaking before David Cameron announced he was going to stand down in October, he said: “The Prime Minister has delivered on his promise to give the people of Britain a referendum on being in the EU, fulfilling what he said in our manifesto. Prime Ministers in the past have suggested they would do this, he actually has. He should be given nothing but credit for that. He felt very clearly that British people should have their say on this.

“It is not fair that people should now be calling for his head.”

And he warned against showboating from those who will now need to negotiate Britain’s separation terms from the EU.

He said: “It’s time to calm and cool heads. It is not time for one side over the other being triumphant, there are many important things now to discuss in the days and weeks ahead. This is about people’s homes, people’s jobs and people’s livelihoods.”

Vocal Leave campaigner David Haythornthwaite, chairman of AFC Fylde, said: “If you look at the results for Lancashire and the North West it is clear immigration was the number one issue. And if you take away the results for Scotland and London which were always going to vote Remain, then the result is nearer 60/40 in favour of Leave.

“It’s a smashing win and it’s a great day for the UK.”

Asked about the impact on the British pound which fell to its lowest level since 1985 on the back of the result, he said: “There was always going to be that kind of fall happen and I am confident it will stabilise. If we get back the control of our borders and our sovereignty, the fall of the pound for a certain amount of time is a price worth paying.”

Fylde Council leader Coun Susan Fazackerley said: “I cannot comment on what the results of the referendum means for Fylde as it is far too early days and we simply do not know as yet, but all indications are that any impact will be as a result of central government changes (if any) not any local decision making.

“We expect, in the short term, business as usual and, at the moment, are not aware of any detrimental or positive changes as a result of Brexit.

“On a personal note, I am sorry that David Cameron has made the decision to resign but can respect his course of action as honourable. I met him at the Big Society awards at Downing Street not too long ago and he was most interested in the Fylde area.”