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EU referendum polling day: last opinoin poll shows four-point remain lead - live EU referendum polling day: last opinion poll shows four-point remain lead - live
(35 minutes later)
1.30pm BST
13:30
Polls in the last 10 days of the campaign have been split, but the last four all have Remain ahead.
The final final polling table - the numbers against which the pollsters will be judged pic.twitter.com/0wyCVgo4Qy
1.28pm BST
13:28
Caroline Davies
Long queues have been reported outside some polling stations as voters cast their ballots in Britain’s closely fought EU referendum.
In London and parts of the south-east many were forced to brave torrential rain and navigated flooded streets to have their say.
David Cameron ignored questions about the weather, saying only “Good morning” as he and his wife Samantha cast their votes at Methodist Hall in Westminster.
The Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, speaking outside his Kent home, said he believed the leave camp had a “very strong chance” because of the weather, adding: “But it’s all about turnout and those soft remainers staying at home.”
Related: Long queues reported outside referendum polling stations
1.22pm BST
13:22
Henry McDonald
Voting is said to be “brisk” across Northern Ireland in the EU referendum according to the Electoral Office in the region.
Unofficially it is said the vote could be as high as 70% in the region.
If this is the case it will be far higher than the turnout for the Northern Ireland Assembly elections last month which was 55%.
There are 619 polling stations across the province and the votes will be counted at eight different centres before the full Northern Ireland result is declared in Belfast’s Titanic Centre.
1.19pm BST
13:19
Steven Morris
North Wiltshire Tory MP James Gray (a passionate leave supporter) says if people vote to remain he will accept “the democratic will of the people”, but only if it is a “reasonable majority” suggestion around 60-40.
Are the Leave campaigners paving the way for the next wave of campaigning if they lose?
Wilts MP James Gray (leave supporter) says he will accept remain result - if it's "reasonable" maj - say 60/40. pic.twitter.com/nfUAD4obQU
1.16pm BST
13:16
Sarah Marsh
Betfair has taken £5m on the EU referendum this morning as punters rush to place final bets ahead of tomorrow’s results.
There has been a flurry of bets, predominantly on staying in the EU, according to a spokeswoman. “The Scottish referendum saw nearly £10m traded on the day, so we’re anticipating at least that amount,” she said.
The company says it has taken £56m on the political event. Betfair said their biggest bet of the morning had been £28,500 on Remain, adding that they had had eight bets that day of £20,000 or more. Overall, the biggest bet they’ve seen has been £315,000 on remain.
It’s a similar picture for Ladbrokes, which reported bets of over £1m in the last 24 hours. Most of the money was on the Remain side it said. The average stake on Remain is now £400, while the average on Leave is £70.
A spokesperson for Coral described betting as brisk this morning, saying that there had been numerous four figure bets laid, predominantly on Remain. So far it has had one bet of £4,000 on Remain (at 1/4) and a £2,000 punt on Leave (at 11/4).
“The majority of bets today are for Remain, which has seen the odds on Britain staying in the EU shortening from 1/4 to 1/7, and Leave out to 4/1, from 11/4.”
It added that while more shop customers are predominantly backing out, online ones are for stay. “This reflects an older customer base who bet in shops wanting out, and the younger customers who bet online are for staying.”
It’s a similar picture at William Hill, which makes Remain a 2/9 favourite – equating to an 81% chance of winning.
1.09pm BST
13:09
There’s been flooding outside the Grange primary school in Newham, east London.
Eyewitness Ben March said people were “hitching up their trousers and wading through the water” to cast their votes.
A spokeswoman for Newham borough council said that everyone would still be able to vote, adding that teams were out trying to clear the water.
There should be no problem accessing and assistance is on hand for those needing it.
There were also problems in New Malden, south-west London, Merton council said.
The polling station at Sacred Heart School, New Malden today. Wear your wellies to vote! #Referendum #Flooding pic.twitter.com/ihgvZCPnKf
A council spokeswoman said no-one had been turned away and that staff were doing “everything they can” to guide voters and drivers through and clear water away.
Kingston council, also, in south-west London has had to move a couple of polling stations due to the weather.
Heavy rainfall overnight has lead to us having to move a polling station in Chessington pic.twitter.com/1n6AJhE0fw
Heavy rainfall overnight has lead to us having to move a further polling station in Malden Manor pic.twitter.com/xmnC0RfbXP
1.04pm BST
13:04
Tea rooms, front rooms, mobile homes, a Buddhist centre and a launderette – here’s our photo gallery of quirky polling stations.
Related: Quirky referendum polling stations - in pictures
Updated
at 1.04pm BST
12.34pm BST12.34pm BST
12:3412:34
Steven MorrisSteven Morris
Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood has voted at Tonypandy in south Wales.Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood has voted at Tonypandy in south Wales.
Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood leaves polling station in Penygraig, s. Wales #referendum #EUref pic.twitter.com/lGtnk6sZb1Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood leaves polling station in Penygraig, s. Wales #referendum #EUref pic.twitter.com/lGtnk6sZb1
She has been a passionate voice in the Remain campaign. But it would be fascinating if, say, Wales voted to remain and the UK as a whole voted out. Would that be a boost to nationalism in Wales? You’d think so.She has been a passionate voice in the Remain campaign. But it would be fascinating if, say, Wales voted to remain and the UK as a whole voted out. Would that be a boost to nationalism in Wales? You’d think so.
12.33pm BST12.33pm BST
12:3312:33
Alan TravisAlan Travis
Down amongst the detail of today’s Ipsos Mori poll are a couple of interesting nuggets. Two weeks into the campaign the Ipsos Mori polls showed that immigration had overtaken concerns about the impact of Brexit on the economy as the issue which was the most important in helping people to decide how to vote.Down amongst the detail of today’s Ipsos Mori poll are a couple of interesting nuggets. Two weeks into the campaign the Ipsos Mori polls showed that immigration had overtaken concerns about the impact of Brexit on the economy as the issue which was the most important in helping people to decide how to vote.
Last week’s poll which had a six point Leave lead had 33% of people naming immigration as the decisive issue for them.Last week’s poll which had a six point Leave lead had 33% of people naming immigration as the decisive issue for them.
Today’s poll (which gives Remain a four point lead) still shows immigration as the issue of most concern at 32% but concerns about the impact of Brexit on economy has closed the gap to 31%. This may explain how the swing to Remain has taken place.Today’s poll (which gives Remain a four point lead) still shows immigration as the issue of most concern at 32% but concerns about the impact of Brexit on economy has closed the gap to 31%. This may explain how the swing to Remain has taken place.
The poll also has some interesting party breakdowns. It shows that 68% of Labour voters intend to vote Remain, but only 43% of those who voted Conservative at the general election intend to back Remain.The poll also has some interesting party breakdowns. It shows that 68% of Labour voters intend to vote Remain, but only 43% of those who voted Conservative at the general election intend to back Remain.
This is what happened to the pound after the poll was published.This is what happened to the pound after the poll was published.
#GBP jumps after @IpsosMORI releases opinion -not exit- poll for 52% Remain. #EUref pic.twitter.com/uBBRj7GjQe#GBP jumps after @IpsosMORI releases opinion -not exit- poll for 52% Remain. #EUref pic.twitter.com/uBBRj7GjQe
12.30pm BST12.30pm BST
12:3012:30
Sam JonesSam Jones
Spain’s El Mundo carries an interview with Winston Churchill’s grandson, Sir Nicholas Soames. In it, not for the first time, Soames declares : “My grandfather would have voted to remain.”Spain’s El Mundo carries an interview with Winston Churchill’s grandson, Sir Nicholas Soames. In it, not for the first time, Soames declares : “My grandfather would have voted to remain.”
#LaPortada del jueves 23 de junio. pic.twitter.com/7FypDH3MJh#LaPortada del jueves 23 de junio. pic.twitter.com/7FypDH3MJh
Sticking with the second world war theme, the El Mundo journalist Alberto Rojas has posted some very stirring footage shot for the film 1969 film Battle of Britain. The accompanying tweet reads: “I preferred it when the British were trying to free Europe rather than trying to abandon it.”Sticking with the second world war theme, the El Mundo journalist Alberto Rojas has posted some very stirring footage shot for the film 1969 film Battle of Britain. The accompanying tweet reads: “I preferred it when the British were trying to free Europe rather than trying to abandon it.”
Me gustaba más cuando los británicos intentaban liberar Europa que cuando intentan abandonarla #Bremain https://t.co/2MMJpZqMKIMe gustaba más cuando los británicos intentaban liberar Europa que cuando intentan abandonarla #Bremain https://t.co/2MMJpZqMKI
The Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, also scrambled the Spitfires earlier this week.The Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, also scrambled the Spitfires earlier this week.
There’s more on European press coverage here.There’s more on European press coverage here.
Related: 'Britons, vote in our name': UK referendum dominates continental front pagesRelated: 'Britons, vote in our name': UK referendum dominates continental front pages
12.26pm BST12.26pm BST
12:2612:26
Constanze LetschConstanze Letsch
The first Brexit copycat has emerged in a country that has not yet gained entry to the EU.The first Brexit copycat has emerged in a country that has not yet gained entry to the EU.
On the eve of the vote, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan suggested that Turkey could hold a referendum over whether to go on with its long-stalled and rocky accession process to join the bloc.On the eve of the vote, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan suggested that Turkey could hold a referendum over whether to go on with its long-stalled and rocky accession process to join the bloc.
“We can stand up and ask the people just like the British are doing,” Erdogan said in an angry speech late on Wednesday after breaking the Ramadan fast at an official dinner. “We would ask ‘Do we continue the negotiations with the European Union or do we end it?’ If the people say ‘continue’, then we could carry on.”“We can stand up and ask the people just like the British are doing,” Erdogan said in an angry speech late on Wednesday after breaking the Ramadan fast at an official dinner. “We would ask ‘Do we continue the negotiations with the European Union or do we end it?’ If the people say ‘continue’, then we could carry on.”
He has repeatedly accused the bloc of rejecting Turkey on the grounds that it is a Muslim-majority country. Ankara has also been angered by comments from David Cameron during the bruising Brexit campaign, suggesting that Turkish membership was not even “remotely in the cards” and that the country may not join until the year 3000.He has repeatedly accused the bloc of rejecting Turkey on the grounds that it is a Muslim-majority country. Ankara has also been angered by comments from David Cameron during the bruising Brexit campaign, suggesting that Turkish membership was not even “remotely in the cards” and that the country may not join until the year 3000.
12.23pm BST12.23pm BST
12:2312:23
Rosie ScammellRosie Scammell
Brexit dominates Italy’s front pages, deemed “Europe’s longest day” by La Repubblica and business daily Il Sole 24 Ore.Brexit dominates Italy’s front pages, deemed “Europe’s longest day” by La Repubblica and business daily Il Sole 24 Ore.
Rome’s top paper, Il Messaggero, carries a bleak image of the “anxiety and fear of the British, divided on the destiny of the Kingdom”. It says the climate in Britain has become even more poisonous since the murder of MP Jo Cox. The staunchly anti-EU Il Giornale carries a photo of a “Keep Calm & Vote Leave” van, declaring that whoever wins, Brussels has lost.Rome’s top paper, Il Messaggero, carries a bleak image of the “anxiety and fear of the British, divided on the destiny of the Kingdom”. It says the climate in Britain has become even more poisonous since the murder of MP Jo Cox. The staunchly anti-EU Il Giornale carries a photo of a “Keep Calm & Vote Leave” van, declaring that whoever wins, Brussels has lost.
The Italian papers have also noted prime minister Matteo Renzi’s pro-Remain article in the Guardian.The Italian papers have also noted prime minister Matteo Renzi’s pro-Remain article in the Guardian.
12.16pm BST12.16pm BST
12:1612:16
Here’s a summary of where things currently stand just over four hours since polls opened:Here’s a summary of where things currently stand just over four hours since polls opened:
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.21pm BSTat 12.21pm BST
11.51am BST11.51am BST
11:5111:51
Rachel ObordoRachel Obordo
Help us document what’s happening around the UK on polling day by sharing your stories, photos and videos. Show us what’s been happening in your community and at polling stations around the country. If you’re following the election from outside of the UK, tell us how and why. We’ll feature your stories throughout our coverage, so get in touch.Help us document what’s happening around the UK on polling day by sharing your stories, photos and videos. Show us what’s been happening in your community and at polling stations around the country. If you’re following the election from outside of the UK, tell us how and why. We’ll feature your stories throughout our coverage, so get in touch.
You can share your photos and experiences by clicking on the blue ‘Contribute’ button at the top of the live blog.You can share your photos and experiences by clicking on the blue ‘Contribute’ button at the top of the live blog.
Remember that sharing pictures of yourself or what’s happening before you go into or after you leave the polling station are great, but please don’t take pictures or video of yourself inside the polling station, as publishing it to GuardianWitness or social media could be a breach of the law. Also please do not tell us how you voted or how you intend to vote as we will not be able to publish your contribution until after the polls close at 10pm.Remember that sharing pictures of yourself or what’s happening before you go into or after you leave the polling station are great, but please don’t take pictures or video of yourself inside the polling station, as publishing it to GuardianWitness or social media could be a breach of the law. Also please do not tell us how you voted or how you intend to vote as we will not be able to publish your contribution until after the polls close at 10pm.
Related: What's happening where you are on EU referendum polling day?Related: What's happening where you are on EU referendum polling day?
11.50am BST11.50am BST
11:5011:50
More about pencils (number 2 on the Cowley list). A trusted contact of our North of England editor Helen Pidd, emailed this:More about pencils (number 2 on the Cowley list). A trusted contact of our North of England editor Helen Pidd, emailed this:
“I run a polling station and it is very noticeable how many voters today are bringing their own pens and even sharpies to register their vote rather than use the pencils provided in the booth. Worrying lack of trust in the counting system and I assume someone has put out some sort of rumour that votes made in pencil can be erased, which as you know is ridiculous.“I run a polling station and it is very noticeable how many voters today are bringing their own pens and even sharpies to register their vote rather than use the pencils provided in the booth. Worrying lack of trust in the counting system and I assume someone has put out some sort of rumour that votes made in pencil can be erased, which as you know is ridiculous.
Professor Briain Cox, Britain’s favourite scientist, quipped:Professor Briain Cox, Britain’s favourite scientist, quipped:
I voted in pencil just in case MI5 need to change it laterI voted in pencil just in case MI5 need to change it later
11.43am BST
11:43
Sam Jones
Spaniards tend to be very proud Europeans, which is one of the reasons there’s so much interest here in the referendum.
But there’s another very, very strong reason why Spanish eyes are fixed so firmly on the UK today.
As this graphic from the online Spanish newspaper El Español shows, almost a third of the tourists who came to Spain in May were British. Last year, British tourists spent €14bn in Spain - or €444 a second. If Brexit happens, the paper notes, the pound is likely to tumble in value and British holidaymakers will be less happy to splash their cash. The article bears the headline: “The graphic that makes Spanish tourism shake over Brexit”.
11.40am BST
11:40
The LibDems lit up the foot of Edinburgh castle with a Remain messages.
LibDem leader Tim Farron made a final plea to voters. He said: “Today is about the very future of Britain; it’s about the kind of country we want to be: an outward looking, tolerant and progressive nation, leading in Europe.
“But the result today is still on a knife-edge, and we absolutely must not let the likes of Nigel Farage and Michael Gove have their way. The very tone of their campaign should tell us enough about what they would do to our country.
“So that’s why I need you to go to the polls and cast your vote for Remain. I need you to vote with the prosperity and opportunity of our future generations at the forefront of your minds.”
11.31am BST
11:31
Four point lead for Remain on last pre-Referendum poll
In what is believed to be the first ever poll published on polling day, Ipsos Mori gives Remain a four point lead.
The phone survey was completed in the days before the referendum.
EU referendum poll:Remain: 52% (+5)Leave: 48% (-5)(via Ipsos Mori, phone)Excl. DKs.
Mike Smithson, an election analyst at politicalbetting.com points out that all the final phone polls showed Remain in the lead, whereas all but one of the online polls show Leave in the lead. One of the methods was wrong, we just don’t know which yet.
All the phone polls show REMAIN leadsAll but YouGov of the online polls have LEAVE in the lead
11.23am BST
11:23
Elena Cresci
As predicted by Cowley (number three on his list of things to watch), we’re seeing a lot of dogs at polling stations.
Dogs! That's 5/10 already. And it's only 9am. https://t.co/PxAJuObTr9
Now spotting dogs at polling stations has become Twitter’s favourite pasttime on polling day. This year, as with last year’s general election, #dogsatpollingstations is one of the top trends.
#DogsAtPollingStations #dogmocracyinactionI've done my bit. pic.twitter.com/tEAprpMFQy
Just voted with @BuddyPortsmouth in #EUreferendum #dogsatpollingstations pic.twitter.com/PDYnTk13Vm
11.20am BST
11:20
Ukip leader Nigel Farage joked with reporters that he had been “undecided” how to vote as he arrived at a polling station in a primary school near his home in north Kent.
11.15am BST
11:15
Sam Jones
Spain’s acting prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, has taken an unequivocal line on Brexit, warning earlier this month that a leave vote affect the hundreds of thousands of Britons who live in Spain and “would be very negative for everyone and from every perspective”.
Divorce from the EU, he stressed, would see British citizens forfeiting the rights to live and work across the continent.
However, pro-independence politicians in Catalonia – who long for a break with Madrid – are taking a far more nuanced approach. Although most people in Spain are strongly pro-European, Catalan separatists recognise that Brexit could help set a precedent for how the EU deals with a reconfigured Europe.
Raül Romeva, the Catalan minister for foreign affairs said: “Catalonia has been following with great interest the debate that is taking place these days in the UK and its possible outcome. British citizens have been given the opportunity to compare all the various points of view before voting freely on what kind of relationship they want their country to have with the European Union. This is beneficial for any democracy: it reinforces it and makes it stronger.”
Whatever the result, adds Romeva, the referendum has shown that citizens are “free to decide on their sovereignty in a democratic way”.
“Europe has always adapted itself to new realities. We have seen it in the past, we will see it now with the United Kingdom and we will continue to see it in the case of Catalonia.”
Catalonia’s regional president, Carles Puigdemont, recently told the Guardian that he saw many parallels between the rhetoric deployed by the Remain campaign and language used to counter moves towards Catalan independence.
“We have also suffered campaigns of fear,” he said. “I remember when the banks started issuing their opinions. They treated us as if we were not grown-ups and said a whole lot of lies.”
Puigdemont also downplayed suggestions that the UK’s departure from the EU would tear apart the union, saying: “The EU will make an extraordinary display of political realism, and an admirable, Darwinian ability to adapt.”
11.08am BST
11:08
Google Trends has been looking at what UK internet users have been searching for in connection with the referendum.
The top issues by local authority revealed that ‘immigration’ (in red) was very prominent all over the country, but so too was the ‘NHS’ and the search term ‘Expats’. ‘Trade’ and the ‘economy’ were less prevalent.
10.58am BST
10:58
The leave campaign has covered more of provincial and rural England in its efforts to persuade Britons to quit the EU, while the remain side has concentrated on urban centres.
Analysis by the Guardian, which pinpoints campaign stops made by four prominent campaigners on either side of the debate in the five weeks to 16 June, shows the leave side has largely ignored Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, while the remain camp has been absent in a large swath of eastern England.
For the analysis the Guardian looked at the itineraries of four campaigners on the remain side: prime minister David Cameron, chancellor George Osborne, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and shadow first secretary of state Angela Eagle and, on the leave side, Conservative MPs Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, Ukip leader Nigel Farage and Labour MP Gisela Stuart.
It also shows that both sides have, in the main, chosen to campaign in areas broadly supportive of their respective views. In north-west England, for example, the remain campaigners have concentrated on the larger urban centres, Liverpool and Manchester, both of which are rated “relatively Europhile” by YouGov.
Related: Split vote: EU referendum campaigns target heartland supporters
10.53am BST
10:53
Looking a little quiet on the Isles of Scilly at the moment.
Can't wait?Scilly is aiming to be first in the UK to return the #referendum vote today We are racing Sunderland RT pic.twitter.com/zDOlO9cmFk
Scilly Sergeant Colin Taylor is making sure there’s no foul play in the far south west of Britain.
The Isles of Scilly could be one of the first places to have a result. Usually at elections ballot boxes are taken to the mainland for counting but for the referendum it will be done on St Mary’s. Only 1,700 voters so it shouldn’t take that long.
10.51am BST
10:51
Graeme Wearden
Over in the City, shares have hit their highest level since late April as investors remain glued to the EU referendum vote.
The FTSE 100 index of blue-chip shares jumped by 1.5% to a two-month high, before dipping back a little, as Brits headed to the polling booths. Mining stocks and financial firms are among the risers.
Traders have been watching the EU referendum closely for weeks, and many will be working through the night as the results come in.
Yesterday, UBS bank predicted that £350bn would be wiped off leading shares if the Leave campaign won.
The pound is also rallying this morning, hitting a six-month high of $1.4851 against the US dollar. Analysts have forecast that it could plunge to $1.30 after a Brexit victory.
Our business liveblog has more details:
Related: Pound and shares soar as investors await EU referendum result – business live
Updated
at 10.51am BST