UK referendum - After the storm everyone has urgent work to do August 12, 2016 by Martin Schultz, President of the European Parliament We are on the verge of a new relationship between the EU and the UK and as a result it is also a time to envisage a new EU. As with any new situation, fear of the unknown is not far away. This is not the ideal environment in which to embark on a new path but it is the reality we must work with. And we need to get cracking because uncertainty amplifies an adverse scenario. I will hide nothing. I had hoped for a different outcome and, having worked with many British colleagues, the result saddens me deeply. I believe the UK and the EU are stronger together. And I believe that the views of the ‘48%’ must not be disregarded. But I must also acknowledge that a majority of voters chose to leave the EU in the referendum. A referendum which was clearly painted by Prime Minister Cameron and others as one which would decide the issue of the EU once and for all. The result is there, and no ‘undo’ button is available to wipe it off. Indeed, attempting to do so risks causing unfathomable damage for a long period, both in the UK and in the rest of Europe. Some pause for reflection will be necessary. This both to allow Britain’s political landscape to settle and to allow the shamefully plan-less leave campaigners to come up with a plan to go forwards. However, this time-out must be short. The EU has crucial issues to address which a state of limbo makes difficult, and the UK needs to reunite its people and provide economic certainty, both of which are next to impossible if limbo persists. (未完待續(xù))