Brexit: Government rejects petition signed by 4.1 million calling for second EU referendum

In an official reply, the Foreign Office said 33 million people had had their say and “the decision must be respected”.

“The Prime Minister and Government have been clear that this was a once-in-a-generation vote and, as the Prime Minister has said, the decision must be respected. We must now prepare for the process to exit the EU and the Government is committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for the British people in the negotiations.”

The Government’s decision will come as a blow to those who hoped to find a parliamentary means of stopping Britain’s withdrawal from the bloc.