Over 40 years of partnership has been put on the line today as 51.9% of Britons voted to leave the EU.
46.5 million Voted
Since the UK joined the EU back in 1973, euroscepticism and fear of the unknown have clouded the UK’s opinions on the partnership. However today, almost every area except Scotland, Northern Ireland and London has expressed their desire to leave the EU. In total, 46.5 million people – 72.2% of the population – cast their votes yesterday, with 48.1% voting to stay whilst the rest opted to leave.
‘A Victory For Real People’
It appears that politicians and voters are just as split on their reaction to the news, which was announced on the BBC, ITV and Sky News at around 4.30am. Nigel Farage is predictably elated, stating that the victory was achieved “without a single bullet being fired”. He also named June 23 the UK’s Independence Day.“This will be a victory for real people, a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people,” Farage said. “We will have done it without having to fight, without a single bullet being fired.”Gisela Stuart, German-born Labour MP and Leave campaigner, has said this vote is “our opportunity to take back control of a whole area of democratic decisions” and stated in her native tongue that the UK would remain “open, welcoming” to their former partners.
Scotland See’s Future In The EU
Meanwhile, SNP’s Nicola Sturgeon reacted to Scotland’s Remain majority by stating that it is “clear that the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union”, thus implying a second Scottish independence referendum.
David Cameron Announces Step Down
As for David Cameron, he has announced he will step down before October. For now, he must decide whether to activate article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which will begin a two-year process of exiting the EU. This in itself will be a tumultuous time for Britons, as a deal must be agreed upon by all 27 EU members. If a deal is not made, the UK will be subject to World Trade Organisation laws, meaning tariffs will be placed on goods sold to the EU. Plus, the UK will now have to discuss our future with Ireland, the Commonwealth, NATO and many other bodies.