Brexit [BBC]

from:

BBC News
[Brexit: David Cameron to quit after UK votes to leave EU]

UK votes to LEAVE the EU

Leave 51.9% (17,410,742 VOTES)
Remain 48.1% (16,141,241 VOTES)

The referendum turnout was 71.8% - with more than 30 million people voting - the highest turnout at a UK-wide vote since 1992.






the UK's "independence day"

"This will be a victory for ordinary people, for decent people."

UKIP leader Nigel Farage





the result would not mean "pulling up the drawbridge"
Boris Johnson, the ex-London mayor





"great regret"
German chancellor Angela Merkel





The pound fell to its lowest level against the dollar since 1985 as the markets reacted to the results. 8% down against the dollar, and 6% lower against the euro.






"The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected," 

"The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered."

"fresh leadership" was needed

Prime Minister David Cameron










Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which would give the UK two years to negotiate its withdrawal

The Lisbon Treaty
Article 50

1. Any Member State may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements.

2. A Member State which decides to withdraw shall notify the European Council of its intention. In the light of the guidelines provided by the European Council, the Union shall negotiate and conclude an agreement with that State, setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union. That agreement shall be negotiated in accordance with Article 218(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It shall be concluded on behalf of the Union by the Council, acting by a qualified majority, after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament.

3. The Treaties shall cease to apply to the State in question from the date of entry into force of the withdrawal agreement or, failing that, two years after the notification referred to in paragraph 2, unless the European Council, in agreement with the Member State concerned, unanimously decides to extend this period.

4. For the purposes of paragraphs 2 and 3, the member of the European Council or of the Council representing the withdrawing Member State shall not participate in the discussions of the European Council or Council or in decisions concerning it.

A qualified majority shall be defined in accordance with Article 238(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

5. If a State which has withdrawn from the Union asks to rejoin, its request shall be subject to the procedure referred to in Article 49.