The people have spoken but the United States and United Kingdom will remain “indespensable partners,” President Obama said after the British people voted to break ties with the European Union.
They dealt a major blow to the president who, despite his efforts, was unable to counter the nationalism that's been bubbling up in Great Britain.
In April the president traveled to London where he urged voters to remain in the EU. However, some viewed his advice as an unwelcome interference in British affairs and his words ultimately had little impact.
After the vote, the president softened his tone about the future of the United Kingdom.
”The United Kingdom’s membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of U.S. foreign, security, and economic policy,” the president said.
Here’s President Obama's full statement:
"The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision. The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdom’s membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of U.S. foreign, security, and economic policy. So too is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond. The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world."