COUNCILLORS from all parties in Bury have agreed they must work together to get the best out of Brexit.

The Conservatives tabled a motion at a full council meeting on Wednesday, July 13, stating the council will ‘resolve to work together’ to ‘make the transition to life outside the EU institution as smooth as possible’.

Although the Labour group and Liberal Democrats agreed with the motion, Labour offered an amendment which included that the council is aware that there may be serious consequences for businesses in the borough and that there is a "rise" in hate incidents.

The council vowed to keep ‘strong and healthy’ relationships with the borough’s neighbouring European towns following the EU referendum.

Cllr Oliver Kersh (Con), presenting the motion, said: “The referendum has, without a doubt, damaged and divided our society – but it’s now time to move on and operate in the best interests of all residents in the borough whichever way they voted.

“As a nation, we are about to embark on the biggest political and economic transition period in modern history, and we as a Council must lead by example.”

Cllr Michael Hankey (Con) said: “I’m that rare creature in that I voted to remain and not many of us did.

“I’m still not convinced the exit vote was a good idea, however the people have spoken and by clear majority decided as final.

“We must work together regardless of party and regardless of whether we voted remain or exit.

“We’re now committed to leaving the EU so our priority is to make the exit process as painless as possible and to secure the best deal that we can."

The Labour amendment stated: “We have already seen an alarming rise in the number of hate incidents across the country.

“The sad and unnecessary death of Jo Cox MP being the most stark and devastating of crimes, and this council wishes to record its sadness and anger at this outrageous crime.”

Cllr Roy Walker also spoke to pay tribute to murdered MP Jo Cox and said voters should not be blamed for any ‘hatred, tension and friction’ to come from the referendum.

Cllr Alan Quinn (Lab) said: “I think it’s the worst decision this country has ever made and it will haunt us for the next generation.”

Liberal Democrat Cllr Tim Pickstone supported the Labour amendment to the motion and said: “It was the worst day in terms of elections in my life.

“I have 100 per cent respect for anyone who voted in the election. Leave voters are my neighbours and leave voters are residents in my ward.”

Cllr Kersh added: "Instead of talking about the pitfalls of the result we should be focussing on making a successful exit."