The United Kingdom rejected a petition for a second vote on maintaining its European Union membership.
More than 4.1 million people signed the petition, the most since the government petition process was introduced in 2011, according to The Independent.
The Foreign Office responded, saying that the majority of the country had its say and that their decision must be respected.
“The referendum was one of the biggest democratic exercises in British history with over 33 million people having their say,” the Foreign Office said according to The Independent. “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 petition was set up by a Brexit supporter before the Brexit vote was held and called for the government to to annul the results of the vote if either side of the vote won by less than 60% with less than three-fourths of the country turning out.
On June 24 the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in an 52% to 48% vote.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Donald Trump Is TIME's 2024 Person of the Year
- Why We Chose Trump as Person of the Year
- Is Intermittent Fasting Good or Bad for You?
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- The 20 Best Christmas TV Episodes
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com