Cameron praised during final House of Commons appearance

Outgoing British Prime Minister David Cameron made his final appearance in the House of Commons where he received a standing ovation for his performance after six years in the job.

The normally raucous prime minister’s questions, turned into a friendly session Wednesday when Cameron was praised for helping to reduce unemployment, fund the National Health Service, and improve educational opportunities. His wife Samantha and their children were in the public gallery.

Assurances to EU citizens

Cameron also gave all but a guarantee to European Union citizens living in Britain that they would not be forced to leave the country when Britain leaves the bloc.

He said the government is working hard “to do what we want, which is to give a guarantee to EU citizens that they will have their rights respected.”

Cameron will formally tender his resignation to Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham palace later in the day.

He resigned after Britain’s narrow vote in the referendum of June 23 to leave the EU. Cameron had backed the “Remain” in the bloc campaign.

After Cameron hands his resignation in to the Queen, Theresa May, the Home Secretary in the current Cabinet, will take over as prime minister. May is expected to unveil the new Cabinet lineup, including a minister in charge of implementing Brexit.

Although May supported Britain staying in the bloc, she said Monday that “Brexit means Brexit,” but stressed the need “to negotiate the best deal for Britain in leaving the EU.”

May has also said that she will not initiate the exit negotiations before the end of the year.