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 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 by 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