IN the aftermath of Brexit a group of concerned people from west Dorset - headed by by the Earl of Sandwich and his wife Caroline - are to present a statement to the government and local councillors arguing for a continuing strong bond with Europe.

The group met at the Sandwich's home Mapperton House last week.

The group's statement - now signed by more than 30 people including the ex-head of the Country Landowners Association, Euan Cameron and his wife Caroline - urges the government to negotiate its exit from the EU bearing eight points in mind.

They want the government to recognise the achievements of the EU in maintaining European peace for more than 70 years and the consequent increase in prosperity and democratisation in the countries of central and eastern Europe.

They also want work done to rebuild national unity, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland after the divisive referendum and to minimise the economic impact on families and communities, particularly those without the means to cushion the impact.

The signatories are worried about the potential damage to cooperation in education, research and science, climate change and the environment through the loss of EU funding and programmes and are pleading for continued cooperation in these fields.

They also want recognition of the contribution to the economic and social development of the UK made by immigrants and migrant workers over many centuries and to make sure that recognition continues.

In the same vein they want continued encouragement of social, cultural and economic activity, initiatives and inter-change between UK and EU communities.

The statement concludes: "We look to the government to lay out a process for the UK’s departure from the European Union which provides a transparent process of analysis and informed public debate of options for the UK’s future relationship with the EU, including through publication of a government green paper laying out options and the issues and opportunities associated with each one, ahead of any Article 50 application and/or legislation in Parliament."

The group also added that it does want the the government to affirm the sovereignty of Parliament on decisions affecting the future of the UK’s EU and global relationships.