The former and current MPs for Helston and West Cornwall have spoken out following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

Conservative MP Derek Thomas, who has always stated he was in favour of leaving the EU, has spoken of the “huge task” now facing the government and spoke of the importance of getting a good deal for farmers and fishermen.

Writing on Facebook yesterday, Mr Thomas said: “Today has been a significant day in the history of Great Britain and Europe.

“Personally I believe we have made the right decision. We now have the huge task of building a United Kingdom in Europe but not run by Europe.

“I signed a joint letter (from over 80 MPs supporting a Brexit) urging David Cameron to continue to lead the nation and lead the negotiations with the EU. I'm saddened that he feels that he is not the man for the job. I think he is.

“What we absolutely need now is a united and focused effort to deliver the best for the UK. We do not need months of debate about who should be the next Prime Minister and I for one, will not be engaging in this debate.

“There is important work to do, whoever is in charge. I hope MPs from all sides and political parties will not allow themselves to become distracted from the task in hand.

“I met with a group of West Cornwall farmers today and discussed with them how they need to be supported when we officially leave the EU in two years or so. We need them to produce our food and care for our countryside. No government will deny this and we must also ensure they can compete with our neighbours.

“Over the next months and year or two politicians must ensure that people such as farmers, our fishing industry and other sectors are at the table when we thrash out a post EU Great Britain.”

In contrast, former Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George, who was voted out at last year’s general election after 18 years in office, has spoken of his fears for the future and declared he would “not be walking away.”

Mr George wrote: “As I’d warned and predicted, we’re now on the escalator out of the European Union.

“It’s telling that French National Front leader Marine Le Pen was amongst the first to celebrate the news. Donald Trump will soon visit to add to those celebrations. Of course the first to welcome the news was Nigel Farage who said that it was a victory ‘without a shot being fired’!

“The initial economic shock will require a decisive but careful response from the Bank of England. The biggest fall in sterling and £200 billion wiped off shares already. I fear that this is not likely to have just a short term impact.

“In respecting this decision, it is vital that the country has effective and diplomatic leadership. Unfortunately I cannot see where that leadership is going to come from. Those who’ve led the Leave campaign are ill equipped for such a job.

“The country also requires opposition leaders who are capable of offering an effective and constructive critique. In my view it is not just the Prime Minister who has to accept the consequences of this outcome. Although I’m content that Tim Farron is very well equipped to hold the Government to account it is clear that fresh leadership of the main opposition is now required as well.

“Members of Parliament have an important role to play; especially those who wanted this referendum and who supported the campaign to leave the EU. Now is the time for them to be seen and heard; to explain to the 51.9 per cent of the population - those voters who will have believed there’ll be a public spending wind-fall of £350 million a week, an ability to reduce EU migration, freedom from unwelcome red tape and regulation and a more rosy economic future - why their expectations will not be met.

“As I said last week in closing the debate I organised with Remain and Leave campaigners, ‘I fear the narrow-minded, inward-looking, intolerant and economically weakened country we will become; and I don’t think anyone will relish the international humiliation which will be brought on us if the attitude of those who have led the Brexit campaigns becomes the face of the UK to a wider world.’ “I want to assure the 48 per cent of the population (over 43 per cent in Cornwall) who did not agree to this that I will not be walking away. Those who doubt the wisdom of the direction the country is going deserve a voice.

“Having MPs who’ll move heaven and earth to turn up for favourable photo-ops but who retreat to their bunkers when they’re required to explain and debate their political decisions leaves a vacuum which will have to be filled by those who don’t run away from difficult decisions.”