Membership of the European Union to be Lib Dem policy in the next general election

While respecting the democratic outcome of the referendum, the Liberal Democrats' commitment to the European Union continues, and Tim Farron has announced that the party will fight the next general election on a policy of membership of the EU.

In an email sent to members on Saturday evening, Tim Farron wrote as follows:

"I believe our country's future is still best served by our membership of the European Union, despite its flaws. Millions of our fellow citizens believe that. I also believe many of those people share our vision of a country that is tolerant, compassionate and positive about Britain's role for good in the world. They share our vision of a country that wants to repair its divisions by working hard together, not by offering cheap slogans.

"That is why I want to make clear that the Liberal Democrats will fight the next election on a clear and unequivocal promise to restore Britain's prosperity and role in the world, with the United Kingdom in the European Union, not outside it."