I HELD a public meeting in Barry last week to discuss the outcome of the EU referendum and to take questions on our country’s future direction.

It was well attended and I am grateful to everyone who turned up and contributed.

The questions that arose up most frequently when I held a public meeting in Cowbridge a fortnight ago, and featured prominently at last week's event, were from those who wanted to know whether there was any prospect of a second referendum or of Britain not leaving the EU.

The answer is no. As the prime minister has made clear, Brexit means Brexit.

The will of the British people, including those living here in Wales, is clear and must be respected. There will be no second referendum.

I can fully appreciate the concerns that many have surrounding the economic impact, but now is not the time for negativity. I campaigned for remain because I thought, on balance, that it was the safer option for our economy.

I am not gloomy however, about the path the nation has chosen, this path may present more challenges, but also huge opportunities. No one should doubt that the UK economy is fundamentally strong or that favourable trade arrangements are feasible.

Indeed, if there is any country can make a long-term success of leaving the EU, it is the UK with our proud tradition as an outward-looking trading nation. There has been too much wallowing in the referendum result from many in politics and the media.

It is the now responsibility of those in public life to focus on our future success as a country. Most importantly, politicians who, like me, supported the remain campaign should avoid talking the British economy down. Now is the time for positivity and pragmatism.

I am struck by the impressive attitude taken by business leaders I have met since the referendum, many of whom are already looking positively to the opportunities presented by Brexit as well as making plans for access to the EU’s internal market under different trade models.

Refreshingly, they were talking the language of optimism, saying that Brexit could herald a ‘re-birth of business’ and that ‘entrepreneurs thrive on change’.

In this critical moment for our country, we must choose our relationship with the EU in a cool and measured way but we must not hesitate in our optimism for Britain’s future prosperity or seek to re-open the question of membership.

We must believe in ourselves, and together, take this opportunity to forge a new direction in the world, making Wales and Britain even better as we take it.