THE EU referendum can be defined as a monumental moment in the history of British politics - an event which has created fierce debate in the closest of families.

The campaign has been passionate and informative but at times, and disappointingly so, unsavoury and heated.

Families and friends have been divided as we’ve all searched deep for answers on how we viewed our future relationship with Europe. However, one thing remains clear; while we have chosen to take back control, Britain is part of Europe and always will be.

As Brits, we’ll still be able to go and work in the EU. The German equivalent of the CBI – the BDI – has been quick off the mark to state its imperative free trade continues and access remains to the single market.

Our great country has always been a big player in Europe, and this will continue to be the case. Despite claims to the contrary, the sky has not fallen in and our place in the world remains strong and intact.

We’ll now undertake a thorough negotiation process where we exercise the will of the British people and remove ourselves from the tiresome and debilitating regulation imposed on us from unelected bureaucrats in Brussels.

As regular readers of this column will know, I advocated to leave the European Union, a decision based on what I thought was in the best interests of our communities and I believe last week’s outcome is a great opportunity for Wales to benefit economically, socially and culturally.

It’s vital we now grasp this opportunity to move forward and create a truly global and dynamic Britain, engaging positively with countries across the world.

However, it’s fundamentally important we recognise there’s a significant proportion of the population – some of our neighbours, family and friends - that didn't vote to leave and who will not necessarily share this optimism.

It’s imperative politicians of all colours work together to reflect all views during the forthcoming negotiation period, and to achieve a strong and lasting settlement that benefits all parts of the United Kingdom, and indeed our friends and allies in Europe.

To close, I would like to pay tribute to the outgoing prime minister, David Cameron. The whole Conservative Party, and indeed the country, owe him a great debt of gratitude for his leadership as prime minister for the last six years.

He has succeeded in transforming the nation’s economy and in strengthening our national security – both of which have helped empower tens of millions of people to succeed in life.

Whilst clearly he and I have disagreed on the issue of EU membership, it has been a privilege as a fellow Conservative to work with David Cameron to secure a brighter future for the people of Wales and the rest of the UK.

He and his family have given so much to our country in public service and have achieved so much in post; not least in having delivered this opportunity for the public to have its say on this huge constitutional issue.