This article was updated at 09:25 BST. 


After a historic referendum, the UK public has decided to leave the European Union. 

Following months of intense campaigning and fierce debate, the decision will have a major impact on politics in the UK, Europe and the global community. 

Turnout across the UK was 72%, higher than the average for a general election. Votes are still being counted, but the Leave campaign has won 52% of the vote, with Remain securing 48%.

Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to Remain, whilst Wales opted to Leave. The results show that the Remain camp won a significant majority in London. 

Image: BBC

What's next?

UK Prime Minister David Cameron has announced he will step down by October

The value of the pound has dropped significantly, to the lowest levels since 1985 — a larger plunge than those seen during the financial crisis of 2008. 

World leaders held press conferences and took to Twitter to share their opinons of the decision.

The UK will not automatically cease to be a member of the EU. It could take up to two years to negotiate a complete ‘Brexit’. The withdrawal agreement negotiated before the referendum means that the UK will continue to abide by EU treaties and laws, but will not have any decision-making power. 

The UK public has spoken and chosen to leave the EU - the first member state to have made such a move. This decision will have a strong impact on Britain and its place in the world.  Within the UK's borders, the decision was closely fought. In the aftermath of the result both sides must face the challenge of unifying the population in the aftermath of this significant step. 


Global Citizen will continue to report on the outcome throughout the day and its implications for the global community and international aid. 

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Demand Equity

UK decides to leave the European Union

By Yosola Olorunshola