Boris Johnson says there is no rush to leave the EU

Boris Johnson has released a statement following victory for his Brexit campaign in Thursday's historic European Union referendum.

The Conservative MP said that they should not rush into action immediately, as well as heaping praise on outgoing prime minister David Cameron for having the courage to call the referendum.

"In voting to leave the EU, it is vital to stress there is no need for haste, and as the prime minister has said, nothing will change in the short term except how to give effect to the will of the people and to extracate this country from the supranational system. There is no need to invoke Article 50," Johnson said.

David Cameron resigned today after a tough and divisive political campaign which could lead to more casualties on both the Labour and Conservative sides. Former London mayor Johnson paid tribute to Cameron's time in office.

David Cameron resigned today after a tough and divisive political campaign

"I have known David Cameron for a very long time, and I believe he has been one of the most extraordinary politicians of our age. A brave and principled man, who has given superb leadership of his party and his country for many years."

Johnson said that the bravery shown by Cameron when calling the referendum was something that he should be remembered for.

"It was his own brand of compassionate Conservative that rightly earned his party the first majority government for decades. It was his bravery that gave this country the first referendum on the European Union for 43 years."

Johnson said that the bravery shown by Cameron when calling the referendum was something that he should be remembered for

Speaking for his campaign, Johnson also made a special appeal to those who had voted to Remain in the United Kingdom, particularly those living in Europe and the migrants living in Britain.

"We cannot turn our backs on Europe, we are part of Europe, our children and our grandchildren will continue to have a wonderful future as Europeans, travelling to the continent, understanding the languages and the cultures that make up our common European civilisation," Johnson said.

He referred to the European project as a "noble idea", but that a federal government in Brussels is not needed in the 21st century.

"The most precious thing this country has given the world is the idea of parliamentary democracy. Yesterday, I believe the British people have spoken up for democracy in Britain and across Europe and we can be proud of the result," he concluded.