The European Union referendum on June 23 was the most fundamental decision taken in a generation and has set us on a new and uncertain direction for our country. I am deeply saddened by the result of the vote, having campaigned throughout my constituency of Torfaen and in the Senedd to remain a member of the EU.

In the wake of this seismic decision, the UK has already witnessed so-called "Project Fear" become Project Reality, with economic forecasts ringing true and champions of Vote Leave defaulting on their campaign promises.

However, the people have spoken and that decision must be respected. Amidst all of this uncertainty, we must remain level-headed when thinking about safeguarding Wales’ future.

I fully support the Welsh Labour Government’s pledge to fight for the people of Wales during the negotiations to leave the European Union; vowing to protect the interests of Wales on job security and economic stability.

I also pledge to do the utmost possible to protect the interests of my constituents in Torfaen from the damaging ripple effects that a divorce from the EU may cause.

Despite the hand we have been dealt, I sincerely hope that the Welsh Labour Government will continue to hold Westminster to account and fight for Wales’ continued participation in EU programmes until 2020 whilst alternative arrangements are put in motion. Torfaen is a constituency which has benefited greatly from these programmes.

One such example is Bridges Into Work, which has seen £5.4 million of EU Structural Funds invested in providing support and employment opportunities for local people. I will work hard to advocate continuity for citizens and communities and fight for the very best deal for my constituents.

I hope that despite the divisions during the referendum campaign, communities will unite and we can all try to ensure that Torfaen goes from strength to strength. No matter how you voted, I’ll be standing up for my constituents’ needs throughout this negotiation process and I would like to hear your views on how to best do that.