In a historic and seismic referendum that holds far-reaching consequences for countries right across the globe, the United Kingdom has voted in favour of leaving the European Union four decades after it first joined in 1973.
The UK electorate voted 51.9% in favor of leaving the EU, while 48.1% voted to remain a member of the politico-economic union. In a vote that saw its highest turnout since the UK’s 1992 general election, over 17.4 million people voted to leave the EU, while 16.1 million opted to remain.
The debate was hard-fought on both sides, with the Leave camp focusing their arguments on immigration and sovereignty, while the Remain side focused the majority of their arguments around the economy and a “better together” attitude.
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After the decision for “Brexit” was confirmed at around 07:30 local time (02:30 EST, 23:30 PST) today (June 24), the UK Prime Minister, David Cameron — who has been a very public supporter of the Remain campaign — announced that he will stand down as the leader of the Conservative Party, with the hope of a new Prime Minister being in office by early October.
It’s worth noting that no nation state has ever left the European Union before, leaving many politicians and commentators questioning the true ramifications of the “Brexit” vote.
Nigel Farage, one of the leading figureheads of the Vote Leave campaign, hailed the verdict as the UK’s “independence day.”
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A multitude of politicians from across the globe have offered their reaction to the news, including President Barack Obama, who this morning released a statement regarding the referendum’s verdict. During the months leading up to yesterday’s vote, Obama was vocal in his support of the UK remaining a member of the European Union. Elsewhere, both the presumptive Republican nominee, Donald Trump, and the likely Democratic Party nominee, Hillary Clinton, have issued statements addressing the UK’s decision to leave the EU.
Likewise, various members of the Hip Hop community have flocked to their social media accounts to offer their thoughts on “Brexit.”
My time line is going crazy about UK I pray all my people are OK I got too many people I care about out there
— CORMEGA (@iamcormega) June 24, 2016
@crushaFoz guess I won't be moving out there
— CORMEGA (@iamcormega) June 24, 2016
I know it's fucked up but my first thought with the U.K. vote was "I'm gonna go shopping when I get to London next month". sorry : /
— el-p (@therealelp) June 24, 2016
are we waking up to a global economic meltdown tomorrow? are motherfuckers screaming SELLL SELLLLLL? stay tuned!
— el-p (@therealelp) June 24, 2016
I just texted my business manager and asked her if I should put all my money in small, unmarked silver coins and bury it. #brexit
— el-p (@therealelp) June 24, 2016
I just bought a portable water filter, shot my pets and plugged in 6 solar panels. #brexit
— el-p (@therealelp) June 24, 2016
I just assembled a ham radio and collected 3 days worth of kindling. #brexit
— el-p (@therealelp) June 24, 2016
I just made a kayak out of repurposed dear skin and milk cartons. #brexit
— el-p (@therealelp) June 24, 2016
it's cool though trump will just loan the UK the money. he's very rich. many beautiful women want him.
— el-p (@therealelp) June 24, 2016
This crackpot just sunk his ship. https://t.co/m9GrIPU3Et
— IG: TechImmortal (@ImmortalTech) June 24, 2016
10% in a matter of hours. Someone's getting laid right now and it isn't the person reading this… https://t.co/MnsdNe9Fn0
— IG: TechImmortal (@ImmortalTech) June 24, 2016
I actually stay in touch with a lot of friends out there. All of them are deeply troubled.. https://t.co/S3sSa650WW
— IG: TechImmortal (@ImmortalTech) June 24, 2016
I cant believe that so many people want to leave. Fuckinghell
— TALLY (@kreptplaydirty) June 24, 2016
The pound weaker than naira right now
— TALLY (@kreptplaydirty) June 24, 2016
Last Night In EU freestyle ?
— TALLY (@kreptplaydirty) June 24, 2016
Side by side my ass!! Ive been trying to get my visa for over a 7 months now about side by side. https://t.co/Td6e7D2EfV
— TALLY (@kreptplaydirty) June 24, 2016
Big up all the racist that got us out the eu ??
— KONAN (@konanplaydirty) June 24, 2016
People dont realise they just made them dickheads think they have some power kmt
— KONAN (@konanplaydirty) June 24, 2016
Cameron resigned straight away . #See
— Chasing The Art #BBK (@WileyUpdates) June 24, 2016
England are on a Donald trump ting it seems.Slyly
— Chasing The Art #BBK (@WileyUpdates) June 24, 2016