Congressman Issa Says 'Brexit' Won't Change Britain, U.S. 'Friendship'

San Diego, CA — A North County San Diego congressman said Friday the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union would not change the relationship between the United States and U.K.

"The vote last night was historic, but it won't change the special friendship we have with our allies in the U.K.," Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, said. "In a democracy, the people have the right to chart their own future. The people have made a decision and I respect it."

British voters had the choice Thursday between "remain" and "leave," and "leave" won by about 52 to 48 percent.

Some people in favor of "leave" felt the UK was getting the short end of the stick economically, sending money to the EU that gets re-distributed to member nations. Others were upset with the EU's wide-open immigration policy, especially in the wake of recent terrorist attacks.

Some experts have compared the populist and nationalist feelings behind the "leave" movement to what's happening with Donald Trump in the United States.

• 'Brexit': What Britain's Exit From European Union Means To The U.S.

Issa, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the United Kingdom "has been an indispensable partner to the United States and that relationship will continue no matter what."

"I look forward to bolstering our trade relationship, working together on shared issues of national security, and strengthening the historic ties that bind our two nations," he said.

It will take about two years for the UK and EU to actually untangle. But there are plenty of immediate consequences.

Prime Minister David Cameron, a strong "remain" proponent, resigned.

The value of the English pound plummeted more than 10 percent during and after the vote but was recovering somewhat Friday morning.

― City News Service and Marc Torrence, Patch national staff, contributed to this report.

(Photo/U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa's Office via Flickr)