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In a landmark decision, Britain’s referendum has signalled its wish to seperate from the European union.
No state has left the European Union before and as such, the foreign ministers of the founding six member states – Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Italy, France and Belgium, will meet to discuss the implications for Britain.
The vote, currently at 99.5% completion as of writing, stands at 48.2% to Remain and 51.9% to Leave.
Results by country indicated a divide between England and Wales – who both voted to leave and Northern Ireland and Scotland, who voted to remain – with Scotland leading the call to stay by 62%.
The West Midlands had the highest percentage of votes to leave – leading the pack at 59%, followed closely by the North West with 53.7%.
David Cameron is said to be facing pressure to resign as PM by scores of Conservatives who believe the only way to unite the newly independent Britain is to replace Cameron.
Shadow foreign secretary Hilary Benn told the BBC last night: “If there were to be a vote to Leave, then as far as the Prime Minister is concerned I don’t see how he is going to remain in his job for very long at all.
“I think it’s very hard for him in those circumstances to remain. If you are the Prime Minister, you’ve called this referendum, you’ve laid your reputation on the line and your arguments, I think it’s going to be very hard.”
But Liam Fox, the former defence secretary, said that if Cameron were to step down it would lead to chaos and insecurity.
“What we now need to do is to provide some calmness and reassure people and that requires us to have political stability. As the Prime Minister who gave us the referendum, he is best placed to see us through”.
The Bank of England has released a statement after the pound slumps to lowest level since 1985.
“The Bank of England is monitoring developments closely. It has undertaken extensive contingency planning and is working closely with HM Treasury, other domestic authorities and overseas central banks. The Bank of England will take all necessary steps to meet its responsibilities for monetary and financial stability.”
Update: The final results have just been announced at Manchester Town Hall.
There were 33,577,342 votes cast with Remain securing 16,141,241 votes and Leave 17,410,742.
David Cameron’s Resignation
“The people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected.”
“We must now prepare for a negotiation with the EU.”
“Above all this will require strong, determined and committed leadership…”
“I love this country and I feel honoured to have served it”
David Cameron has just announced his resignation. He stated that he had done all he could to ensure Britain was the strongest it could have been. He noted that resigning as Prime Minister was following the choice of the British public to continue in another direction.
He will end his term in three months.
“The British people have voted to leave the EU and their will must be respected.
The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered.
There can be no doubt about the result.
Across the world people have been watching the choice that Britain has made.
This will require strong, determined and committed leadership.
I am very proud to have been Prime Minister of this country for six years.
I have held nothing back.
The British people have made a very clear decision too.
I think the country requires fresh leadership.
I do not think I can be the captain to take the country to its next destination.
In my view I think we should have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative conference in October.”
The Cabinet will meet on Monday to discuss procedures. We will update you then.
