David Cameron says Britain “will not and should not” turn its back on Europe as it leaves the European Union.
After discussing the vote to leave with other EU leaders, he said trade and security co-operation would be vital whatever the shape of future links.
But he said immigration was a “great concern” among UK voters and squaring this with access to the EU single market would be a “huge challenge”. He told reporters the discussions had been “calm, constructive and purposeful”.
He also said that “while Britain is leaving the European Union, it will not, it should not and in my view it won’t turn its back on Europe”.
The PM, who has said it will be up to his successor to decide how to proceed with talks on the terms of Britain’s separation from the EU, said there was “universal respect” for the UK’s decision to leave despite a “tone of sadness and regret”. The prime minister warned that intransigence over freedom of movement could scupper any chance of a UK-EU trade deal with whoever takes over from him, saying there was a “very great concern” over immigration “coupled with sovereignty and the ability to control these things”. He said that he wished he had won the referendum, but it was right to hold it to try to settle the question of the UK’s role in the EU.
Mr Cameron said: “You fight for what you believe – if you win, good, If you lose, you have to accept the verdict.”
He also said Britain and the rest of the EU wanted to have the “closest possible” relationship as the country leaves the union.

Source: BBC