Britain’s exit from the European Union would be "calm and methodical", UK High Commissioner Rob Luke said this evening.

Asked for his reaction by the Times of Malta following meetings with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil, Mr Luke said:

"I would like to reassure British nationals resident in Malta and Maltese nationals living in the UK that there will be no immediate changes to their circumstances. These practical issues along with others will be worked through as part of this negotiation process which will take place in a calm and methodical way in a spirit of good will."

The UK government, he said, had taken note of the people's democratic decision and the next step would be to engage with its European partners to negotiate the process of Britain's departure from the EU as well as agree on the shape of their future mutual relationship. 

Malta and the UK, he said, would preserve their strong bilateral relationships as trading partners and Commonwealth members.

“We will continue to play a leading role internationally to tackle global challenges but also in dialogue on most things at EU level where we are eager to engage with Malta on those issues too," the High Commissioner said.

Touching on the Maltese presidency in the first half of next year, he said the UK's interest was undiminished. He also looked forward to engage with Malta during negotiations about his country's departure from the EU.