Leaders of a stunned Parliament give their reactions as the United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union.

Britain votes to leave: Reactions from the European Parliament

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/11592727/n005-160624-001-en.srt

Sadness, bewilderment, anger  and the world's attention

concentrated itself at the Brussels home  of Europe's elected deputies.

The nuclear option  many feared Britain would follow

but hoped they wouldn't,  now a reality.

The line of the European Parliament  is quite clear.

We are very sad about the decision  of the voters in the United Kingdom,

but it is a sovereign expression of the will of  British voters to leave the European Union.

This is a difficult moment for both sides.

Group leaders met early  to discuss reactions

and next steps concerning the withdrawal.

According to EU treaty,  Britain will stay in the EU for two years

after the official notification  of its withdrawal.

As someone who stands for the idea of  Europe and cooperation on this continent,

I am disappointed, it is a sad day.  But it's important to note

that half the Brits voted in favour of Europe,  we need to consider them too.

the path that Europe is taking together  in a globalised world

is the right path for the other 27 states.

I feel very sad  but it's not the end of Europe.

It's the wrong choice, but we will react to it.

We will relaunch a strong political offensive

to respond to the concerns  of the European citizens.

Today, it's necessary to save Europe  by changing it

and by making it much more accessible  to the citizens.

The British people have spoken.  They've voted to leave.

It's important,  whatever our personal views were,

that we respect the democratic will  of the British people.

Now's the time for us all  to pull together and move on.

For the first time in history,  after wave after wave of expansion,

the EU now shrinks.  27 members. No more 28.

The decision of the British citizens to leave  the European Union was very clear.

It has put an end to 40 years of  discussion of opt-ins, opt-outs,

that has created more difficulties  in the Union than given us solutions,

The best way to react  to this outcome of this referendum

is not business as usual but to start an  in-depth reform of the European Union.

There were fears too  for the peace process in Ireland.

I have a lot of friends in Great Britain.  I'm also thinking of Northern Ireland.

Just the thought that the Republic of Ireland  and Northern Ireland

will be separated by an external EU border,

bodes disaster for the peace process  in Northern Ireland.

I'm very sad about the decision  of the British people.

People who think like me  must be asking themselves:

if we cannot persuade a majority  in such a referendum,

if we cannot persuade  our friends in Great Britain?

During the economic and refugee trials  of the past years

the EU has attempted, often failed,  to act 'together'.

Now more than ever,  that will be the ambition.