The UK has voted to leave the European Union following yesterday’s historic referendum.
According to official results, the ‘Leave’ campaign managed to secure a surprise victory in the early hours of this morning; ending the contest with a final margin of 51.9 per cent to 48.1 per cent. Figures were pulled from over 30 million votes from across the country – the highest turnout at a UK election since 1992.
The results – which mark the end of the UK’s 43-year union with the EU – revealed a great divide in public opinion. Both Scotland and London voted overwhelmingly to ‘Remain’, while the majority of northern England ultimately managed to swing the decision by opting to ‘Leave’.
In a follow-up ‘victory’ speech, UKIP leader Nigel Farage hailed Thursday June 23 as the country’s “independence day”, and called for president David Cameron to quit “immediately.”
However, what will happen now remains unclear. The result has already had a catastrophic effect on the British Pound, which is currently at its lowest level against the American Dollar in over thirty years. Also, due to the clear difference in opinion between England and Scotland, another Independence referendum for the latter seems likely; with SNP members now actively pushing parliament to schedule a date.
“Scotland has delivered a strong, unequivocal vote to remain in the EU, and I welcome that endorsement of our European status,” Nicola Sturgeon told the BBC earlier this morning. “The vote here makes clear that the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union.”
“Scotland has contributed significantly to the Remain vote across the UK,” she added. “That reflects the positive campaign the SNP fought, which highlighted the gains and benefits of our EU membership, and people across Scotland have responded to that positive message.”
