A 'Seismic Change in British Politics'

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Local reaction to vote to leave the EU

David Cameron has resigned as Prime Minister after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

The PM had urged the country to vote Remain but was defeated by 52% to 48% despite London, Scotland and Northern Ireland backing staying in.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage hailed it as the UK's "independence day".

In a statement outside Downing Street, David Cameron said he would attempt to "steady the ship" over the coming weeks and months but that "fresh leadership" was needed.

In London 59.9% voted to remain with 40.1% voting leave.

Ealing voted to stay in (60.4%) with 39.6% in the opposing camp. Council Leader, Julian Bell proudly tweeted the local results saying:

'' Ealing is the 3rd most diverse Borough in the country, at ease with ourselves and we voted overwhelmingly to Remain.''

Ealing Southall Labour MP Virendra Sharma said: ''Today saw a seismic change in British politics. We have turned our backs on forty years of European cooperation. I have always been committed to working internationally for a better UK and a better world. I hope that we will not now turn our backs on our European allies.

''I however totally respect the national will of the British public, even if Ealing voted to Remain.
I know that I, along with my colleagues in the Labour Party, will now work to secure the best future for the UK whatever happens. Many of my constituents will now be worse off, but that only makes the work we are doing towards securing a Labour government all the more important. I hope that the UK economy will recover quickly and we will return to long-term stability.''

The pound fell to its lowest level against the dollar since 1985 as the markets reacted to the results.

24th June 2016