HEXHAM’S Conservative MP this morning pledged to strive for unity following the EU referendum result.

Guy Opperman, a Government whip and staunch supporter of the Remain campaign, gave his first reaction in a breakfast time tweet.

“The people have spoken and we will respect the result, albeit I am gutted.

“It is now my duty to make sure UK sticks together and thrives.

"We are a proud democracy. We must work together to ensure we get the best result for the UK in future renegotiations.

"The sun comes up and we move on. We will make this decision work as a Government, and as a party."