LONDON—U.K. Treasury chief George Osborne moved on Monday to reassure households, businesses and financial markets that the U.K. economy remains resilient, after Britons chose to exit the European Union in a referendum last week, a vote that casts doubt on the economy's prospects and caused political upheaval.
Speaking to reporters at the Treasury before markets in the U.K. opened Monday morning, the Chancellor of the Exchequer said the U.K. economy is strong and its banks and financial system are healthy.
"Britain is ready to confront what the future holds for us from a position of strength. That is because in the last six years the government and the British people have worked hard to rebuild the British economy," Mr. Osborne said.
But he warned there could be "an adjustment" in the economy as uncertainty over the U.K.'s future trading arrangements with the EU dents spending and investment. That could hit the public finances, Mr. Osborne said. He signaled he will detail fresh tax and spending plans in the fall.
"As a result of Thursday's decision, some firms are continuing to pause their decisions to invest, or to hire people. As I said before the referendum, this will have an impact on the economy and the public finances, and there will need to be action to address that," Mr. Osborne said.
The Chancellor's remarks Monday mark his first significant public comments since the result of Thursday's historic referendum was known early Friday. The shock decision to exit the EU prompted Prime Minister David Cameron to declare his intention to step down once his party has chosen a new leader. That process could take several months.
A key challenge facing the U.K. government will be agreeing the contours of its new relationship with the EU, a negotiation that could take years. Mr. Osborne said Monday the U.K. should reach "a clear view" on the new arrangement it wants with the EU before it invokes Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the mechanism that begins the formal process of exiting the bloc.
Mr. Osborne was long seen as a potential successor to Mr. Cameron but his support for the pro-EU side has dented his chances of taking over, say lawmakers and analysts. Addressing the question of his own future, Mr. Osborne said Monday he intends to stay on in his post to help stabilize the economy. He said he has been in touch with finance ministers and central bank chiefs from other major advanced economies, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, to discuss the U.K.'s preparedness.
"It will not be plain sailing in the days ahead. But let me be clear. You should not underestimate our resolve. We were prepared for the unexpected," Mr. Osborne said.
Bank of England Gov. Mark Carney on Friday moved swiftly to reassure markets that the central bank stood ready to backstop the financial system should nervousness over the vote spread. He said the BOE has lined up at least £250 billion ($ 342 billion) of financing for banks that need it and has arrangements in place with other central banks that allow it to provide cash in a variety of currencies.
Write to Jason Douglas at jason.douglas@wsj.com
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