*Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 *

**Statement on the United Kingdom's European Union Membership Referendum **

*June 24, 2016 *

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.

NOTE: The statement referred to the United Kingdom's June 23 referendum vote to leave the European Union.

*Categories:* Statements by the President : United Kingdom, European Union membership referendum*.*

*Subjects:* Europe : European Union :: United Kingdom, membership status; North Atlantic Treaty Organization; United Kingdom : European Union, membership status; United Kingdom : Relations with U.S.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201600422.