This winter election has been dark in more ways than one.

Leaders evading scrutiny, voters feeling forced to choose the least worst option and an exodus of MPs ground down by threats.

Racism is infecting our politics, terrifyingly, it has now become mainstream.

Many people will look at the last few weeks, at these results and be filled with dread about the future of our country.

I understand. I am worried too.

This goes beyond our future relationship with the European Union. It is about our relationships with one another in the United Kingdom.

Do we value every individual for who they are? Are we an open, welcoming, inclusive society?

I still believe we are, at heart, or at the very least that we can be.

But there are many forces that seek to divide us, to allow resentment and fear to fester.

And if we want to be that open-minded, warm-hearted society, we need to stand up, join together, and fight for it. Will you stand with us?

(You can find out more about joining the Liberal Democrats as a member or supporter here: libdems.org.uk/joining-us)

There will be a door, there will be a way out of this nationalist surge, and we have to work together to find it.

There is a huge job to be done. We now have to rise to the job, to organise, to join together. Though I won’t be your leader, I will be walking alongside you.

All of us who want something different for our country have a responsibility to learn from this result, and to find new answers.

Next week is the shortest day.

We will see more light in the future.

Join us for that journey.

(You can find out more about joining the Liberal Democrats as a member or supporter here: libdems.org.uk/joining-us)

With best wishes

Jo Swinson