Britain will not trigger Article 50 ‘at this stage’

British prime minister David Cameron has said Article 50 will not be triggered “at this stage” and that key negotiations will have to wait for the new Prime Minister to be appointed.

Mr Cameron made a statement to Parliament, reiterating that a vote to leave the EU did not mean turning Britain’s back on Europe.  

He spoke before Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told MPs that the country was divided and would not thank either party for “indulging in internal faction-manoeuvring at this time”.

Mr Corbyn remains defiant and says he will “not allow a coup”, despite numerous shadow cabinet members leaving their posts.

Cameron said the referendum result was not the one he wanted, but insisted he and the cabinet had agreed it must be respected.

“Hate crimes and attacks on foreigners must be stamped out,” he said. “These people have come here and made a wonderful contribution.”

Cameron said a new civil service unit had been set up to prepare for the withdrawal negotiations; it would be staffed by the brightest and best from Westminster, he said.

As to calls for the UK to join the European Economic Area, Cameron said such decisions would be up to a new government.

At the end of his comments, Corbyn said he had many disagreements with Cameron, but acknowledged that the prime minister Cameron had delivered equal marriage, against the wishes of many of his MPs.

He also praised Cameron for his response to Bloody Sunday, and for his response to the murder of Jo Cox ten days ago.