A San Diego County congressman said Friday the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union will not change the relationship between the United States and U.K., while the Port of San Diego renewed its
commitment to maintain open trade.
"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."
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.
A spokeswoman for the Port of San Diego said port officials are committed to ensuring continued open trade with the United Kingdom and Europe.
"The port will closely monitor the process following this vote and its impact on international trade," spokeswoman Marguerite Elicon said. "A portion of the port's maritime business is connected to trade with Europe, including automobiles, fertilizer, machinery, wind components and other project cargo."
"We do not believe there will be immediate impacts on this business segment, and we are committed to keeping trade with Europe viable," Elicon said.
A spokesman for San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer said there would be no statement coming from the mayor's office regarding the historic vote. The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce also declined to comment.
