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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2016/jun/23/eu-referendum-live-decision-day-polls-remain-leave
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| Version 16 | Version 17 |
|---|---|
| European Union referendum: queues and bad weather as Britain votes – live | European Union referendum: queues and bad weather as Britain votes – live |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 4.35pm BST | |
| 16:35 | |
| Vote Leave accused of belittling Londoners and Scots | |
| It may be polling day but there is no respite from the bitterness between the two opposing campaigns. | |
| Stronger in Europe has hit out at a plea by Vote Leave chief executive Matthew Elliot, sent by email to Brexit supporters, urging them to vote, because: | |
| There is a very real chance that voters in London and Scotland will vote to keep us in the EU today despite the heartlands of the country voting to leave. | |
| The email includes a photo of a queue outside a polling station in a “leafy London suburb”. | |
| Chuka Umunna, Labour MP for Streatham, said: | |
| Vote Leave are ending this campaign as they began it – by seeking to divide our country not unite it, turning regions, nations and communities against one another. | |
| Londoners and Scots have as much right to exercise their democratic choice as anyone else. Implying that our votes are somehow less legitimate than those cast in other parts of Britain is utterly disgraceful. | |
| The @vote_leave campaign team not just desperate but weird. Since when did London/Scotland stop being UK heartlands? pic.twitter.com/rJz41e5Jzw | |
| Updated | |
| at 4.58pm BST | |
| 4.29pm BST | 4.29pm BST |
| 16:29 | 16:29 |
| Ione Wells | Ione Wells |
| Pollsters have suggested that the elderly are more likely to vote and more likely to vote “leave”. So the vote by Keith Adams’s mum today may come as little surprise but it was the way she exercised her democratic right that got it trending on Twitter. | Pollsters have suggested that the elderly are more likely to vote and more likely to vote “leave”. So the vote by Keith Adams’s mum today may come as little surprise but it was the way she exercised her democratic right that got it trending on Twitter. |
| Just took 93yr Mum to vote, she's registered blind. In a very loud voice she said, "Which box for out?" A cheer went up from waiting voters | Just took 93yr Mum to vote, she's registered blind. In a very loud voice she said, "Which box for out?" A cheer went up from waiting voters |
| Twitter users all across the country appropriated Adams’ post to tell people what their 93-year-old mums are contributing to the poll station, from the serious to the utterly bizarre: | Twitter users all across the country appropriated Adams’ post to tell people what their 93-year-old mums are contributing to the poll station, from the serious to the utterly bizarre: |
| Just took my 93 year old mum to vote. She's registered blind. She shouted "Expecto Patronum" to banish the Dementors. Everyone cheered. | Just took my 93 year old mum to vote. She's registered blind. She shouted "Expecto Patronum" to banish the Dementors. Everyone cheered. |
| Took 93yr old mum and her friend to vote. #EUref pic.twitter.com/p0R1Ku2Y6P | Took 93yr old mum and her friend to vote. #EUref pic.twitter.com/p0R1Ku2Y6P |
| Just took 93yr Mum to vote, she's registered blind. She's unaware I took her to Ladbrokes where she voted for Iceland to win the Euros | Just took 93yr Mum to vote, she's registered blind. She's unaware I took her to Ladbrokes where she voted for Iceland to win the Euros |
| “Keith” and “93 yr mum” have both trended on Twitter today. | “Keith” and “93 yr mum” have both trended on Twitter today. |
| Adams has since written a blog post in response to trolling he received as a result of his post, condemning his critics for their “entire premise...that being brexit invalidates anything else”. | Adams has since written a blog post in response to trolling he received as a result of his post, condemning his critics for their “entire premise...that being brexit invalidates anything else”. |
| 4.05pm BST | 4.05pm BST |
| 16:05 | 16:05 |
| Earlier the pound surged to a 2016 high against the dollar and also appreciated against the Euro but it has fallen back this afternoon: | Earlier the pound surged to a 2016 high against the dollar and also appreciated against the Euro but it has fallen back this afternoon: |
| #Sterling falling sharply vs $USD and $EUR - @Reuters#Brexit #Remain #EUref #EUreferendum pic.twitter.com/vtoAy9mDL2 | #Sterling falling sharply vs $USD and $EUR - @Reuters#Brexit #Remain #EUref #EUreferendum pic.twitter.com/vtoAy9mDL2 |
| 3.29pm BST | 3.29pm BST |
| 15:29 | 15:29 |
| One of my Guardian colleagues, Maya Wolfe-Robinson, has been told that an inability to get back to vote because of strike action on the continent is insufficient reason to be allowed an emergency proxy. | One of my Guardian colleagues, Maya Wolfe-Robinson, has been told that an inability to get back to vote because of strike action on the continent is insufficient reason to be allowed an emergency proxy. |
| So I'm stranded in Italy due to French air traffic control strikes&unable to vote.Apparently others in same position | So I'm stranded in Italy due to French air traffic control strikes&unable to vote.Apparently others in same position |
| Electoral services won't allow as reason for emergency proxy though which seems pretty unfair. Any suggestions? | Electoral services won't allow as reason for emergency proxy though which seems pretty unfair. Any suggestions? |
| Others appear to have the same problem: | Others appear to have the same problem: |
| @ElectoralCommUK stuck in Barcelona due to French air traffic control strike, I need to vote | @ElectoralCommUK stuck in Barcelona due to French air traffic control strike, I need to vote |
| Well I wanted 2 #leave Europe 2day but the French Air Traffic strike has forced me 2 #remain so I can't vote now but at least the sun is out | Well I wanted 2 #leave Europe 2day but the French Air Traffic strike has forced me 2 #remain so I can't vote now but at least the sun is out |
| 3.12pm BST | 3.12pm BST |
| 15:12 | 15:12 |
| 3.10pm BST | 3.10pm BST |
| 15:10 | 15:10 |
| Matthew Holmes | Matthew Holmes |
| Earlier we highlighted this lovely gallery of quirky polling stations up and down the land from the Guardian’s picture desk. We’re also starting to receive pictures from readers around the country. | Earlier we highlighted this lovely gallery of quirky polling stations up and down the land from the Guardian’s picture desk. We’re also starting to receive pictures from readers around the country. |
| Emma Cozzi sent this, a church community centre in Hove. | Emma Cozzi sent this, a church community centre in Hove. |
| You can see more pictures readers have sent, including one from Stephanie Steele, who lives above her polling station in Windsor, and add yours (but please don’t tell us which way you are voting) here. | You can see more pictures readers have sent, including one from Stephanie Steele, who lives above her polling station in Windsor, and add yours (but please don’t tell us which way you are voting) here. |
| 3.03pm BST | 3.03pm BST |
| 15:03 | 15:03 |
| Amidst all the political gambling on the outcome of the referendum, William Hill points to an interesting activity in a side bet on Theresa May becoming the next Tory leader. | Amidst all the political gambling on the outcome of the referendum, William Hill points to an interesting activity in a side bet on Theresa May becoming the next Tory leader. |
| It has halved May’s odds from 6/1 to 3/1, making her a clear second favourite, behind 11/4 favourite Boris Johnson. | It has halved May’s odds from 6/1 to 3/1, making her a clear second favourite, behind 11/4 favourite Boris Johnson. |
| William Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe said: “Ms May had drifted right out in the odds over recent months, finding very little support with political punters, but suddenly she seems to be back in favour and the money is hinting that she might be well placed to be a serious contender for the top job.” | William Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe said: “Ms May had drifted right out in the odds over recent months, finding very little support with political punters, but suddenly she seems to be back in favour and the money is hinting that she might be well placed to be a serious contender for the top job.” |
| 2.55pm BST | 2.55pm BST |
| 14:55 | 14:55 |
| Rowena Mason | Rowena Mason |
| Nigel Farage is still expected at a Leave.EU party hosted by Ukip donor Arron Banks tonight, despite triggering speculation over his whereabouts by pulling out of a Channel 4 debate last night citing family reasons. | Nigel Farage is still expected at a Leave.EU party hosted by Ukip donor Arron Banks tonight, despite triggering speculation over his whereabouts by pulling out of a Channel 4 debate last night citing family reasons. |
| Sources confirmed he had decided instead to have dinner with his son, who has been abroad for work for nine months. It also looked like he was none too keen on bumping into fellow C4 guest Alan Sked, a former Ukip leader who has been very rude about him. | Sources confirmed he had decided instead to have dinner with his son, who has been abroad for work for nine months. It also looked like he was none too keen on bumping into fellow C4 guest Alan Sked, a former Ukip leader who has been very rude about him. |
| Farage looked chipper as he voted in his home village of Westerham in Kent this morning and is understood to have been having a relaxing lunch before getting ready for the big night. | Farage looked chipper as he voted in his home village of Westerham in Kent this morning and is understood to have been having a relaxing lunch before getting ready for the big night. |
| 2.47pm BST | 2.47pm BST |
| 14:47 | 14:47 |
| Frances Perraudin | Frances Perraudin |
| The library in Birstall, outside which MP Jo Cox was murdered seven days ago, is serving as a polling station and there is a light police presence outside. | The library in Birstall, outside which MP Jo Cox was murdered seven days ago, is serving as a polling station and there is a light police presence outside. |
| David Smith, the deputy returning officer in the area, says turnout seems high (postal voter turnout looks like it will be over 80%) and that the region’s count hall in Huddersfield will hold a minute’s silence for the MP at 11.30am. | David Smith, the deputy returning officer in the area, says turnout seems high (postal voter turnout looks like it will be over 80%) and that the region’s count hall in Huddersfield will hold a minute’s silence for the MP at 11.30am. |
| Smith says the last time he oversaw a count in the area was when Jo Cox was elected as the constituency’s MP. Fighting back tears, he says: “I work with politicians everyday and they have a bad press, but everything they say about her is true.” | Smith says the last time he oversaw a count in the area was when Jo Cox was elected as the constituency’s MP. Fighting back tears, he says: “I work with politicians everyday and they have a bad press, but everything they say about her is true.” |
| On the stroke of 12.50pm, the time that Cox was killed seven days ago, around 200 people gathered around the corner from the polling station in Birstall market square to take part in a vigil for the MP. Holding hands, the crowd held a minute’s silence before chanting “we stand together” and singing hymns. | On the stroke of 12.50pm, the time that Cox was killed seven days ago, around 200 people gathered around the corner from the polling station in Birstall market square to take part in a vigil for the MP. Holding hands, the crowd held a minute’s silence before chanting “we stand together” and singing hymns. |
| Paul Knight, the vicar of Birstall, who led the vigil, said Cox’s death had caused the country to stop and think about the decision facing them in the EU referendum. | Paul Knight, the vicar of Birstall, who led the vigil, said Cox’s death had caused the country to stop and think about the decision facing them in the EU referendum. |
| “The country paused after a very uncomfortable period of argument and exaggeration, if not untruth, and I hope that pause, though it has come about through such a tragic incident, will make people carefully think through the issues.” | “The country paused after a very uncomfortable period of argument and exaggeration, if not untruth, and I hope that pause, though it has come about through such a tragic incident, will make people carefully think through the issues.” |
| The steps of nearby Batley town hall, which was also being used as polling station, were decked in floral tributes to the MP. | The steps of nearby Batley town hall, which was also being used as polling station, were decked in floral tributes to the MP. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.04pm BST | at 3.04pm BST |
| 2.38pm BST | 2.38pm BST |
| 14:38 | 14:38 |
| Turnout could be similar to last year’s general election, according to a BMG Research poll for the Electoral Reform Society [ERS]. It found that 67% of people said they would definitely vote and a further 12% said they would probably vote. At last year’s election the turnout was 66%. | Turnout could be similar to last year’s general election, according to a BMG Research poll for the Electoral Reform Society [ERS]. It found that 67% of people said they would definitely vote and a further 12% said they would probably vote. At last year’s election the turnout was 66%. |
| A high turnout is thought likely to favour remain, but the survey also found that older people who are more likely to vote leave are more likely to vote than younger people. | A high turnout is thought likely to favour remain, but the survey also found that older people who are more likely to vote leave are more likely to vote than younger people. |
| Just 54% of 18-24 year olds said they would definitely vote today, compared to 79% of over 65s. While up on last month’s 47% for 18-24 year olds, it is still a “stark gap”, according to ERS. | Just 54% of 18-24 year olds said they would definitely vote today, compared to 79% of over 65s. While up on last month’s 47% for 18-24 year olds, it is still a “stark gap”, according to ERS. |
| Katie Ghose, its chief executive, said: “Considering the fact that this is a once in a generation vote, the fact that turnout could be similar or lower than last year’s general election is a shame if true. This referendum is arguably more important than a general election as every votes counts and the result will affect the UK for decades to come. | Katie Ghose, its chief executive, said: “Considering the fact that this is a once in a generation vote, the fact that turnout could be similar or lower than last year’s general election is a shame if true. This referendum is arguably more important than a general election as every votes counts and the result will affect the UK for decades to come. |
| “A poor turnout risks people viewing this issue as unclosed, and we could see calls for further referendums or questioning of the validity of the result from either side. | “A poor turnout risks people viewing this issue as unclosed, and we could see calls for further referendums or questioning of the validity of the result from either side. |
| Nobody wants a result based on a small minority of registered voters. Instead this is an opportunity to have a decisive result, so we hope everyone gets out to vote before the 10pm deadline.” | Nobody wants a result based on a small minority of registered voters. Instead this is an opportunity to have a decisive result, so we hope everyone gets out to vote before the 10pm deadline.” |
| “The demographic gap is worrying – with 71% of wealthier Brits saying they’ll vote compared to just 62% of those from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds, and with only half of 18-24 year olds saying they’ll vote. This referendum can’t be decided by one demographic on behalf of another – it needs to be the result of a great national conversation involving everyone.” | “The demographic gap is worrying – with 71% of wealthier Brits saying they’ll vote compared to just 62% of those from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds, and with only half of 18-24 year olds saying they’ll vote. This referendum can’t be decided by one demographic on behalf of another – it needs to be the result of a great national conversation involving everyone.” |
| 2.23pm BST | 2.23pm BST |
| 14:23 | 14:23 |
| Steven Morris | Steven Morris |
| Welsh first minister – and Labour leader in Wales - Carwyn Jones has voted. | Welsh first minister – and Labour leader in Wales - Carwyn Jones has voted. |
| Carwyn Jones @fmwales has cast his vote. "Let's stay in, stay strong and stay together. By voting to remain" #EUref pic.twitter.com/Yngzj8G04F | Carwyn Jones @fmwales has cast his vote. "Let's stay in, stay strong and stay together. By voting to remain" #EUref pic.twitter.com/Yngzj8G04F |
| He’s been campaigning hard in the Welsh valleys in recent days trying to get that Labour vote out for Remain in one of the party’s traditional strongholds. But Ukip has also been getting stronger in the valleys. It will be fascinating to find out how valleys folk have voted today. They’ve benefitted from millions of pounds of EU money – but it’s easy to find people concerned about immigration here too. | He’s been campaigning hard in the Welsh valleys in recent days trying to get that Labour vote out for Remain in one of the party’s traditional strongholds. But Ukip has also been getting stronger in the valleys. It will be fascinating to find out how valleys folk have voted today. They’ve benefitted from millions of pounds of EU money – but it’s easy to find people concerned about immigration here too. |
| 2.21pm BST | 2.21pm BST |
| 14:21 | 14:21 |
| Libby Brooks | Libby Brooks |
| Remain campaigners in Glasgow have set up a wish tree in Buchanan Street to rival those set up during the independence campaign. | Remain campaigners in Glasgow have set up a wish tree in Buchanan Street to rival those set up during the independence campaign. |
| In case you missed this from the indyref it was a charmingly empowering/nauseatingly twee device that we had a lot up here with folk leaving their wishes for an independent Scotland. | In case you missed this from the indyref it was a charmingly empowering/nauseatingly twee device that we had a lot up here with folk leaving their wishes for an independent Scotland. |
| Now there is one for the EUref and I feel that the circle has been fully squared: | Now there is one for the EUref and I feel that the circle has been fully squared: |
| There *is* an #EURef wish tree! All is not lost... https://t.co/xcCuq04Uqf | There *is* an #EURef wish tree! All is not lost... https://t.co/xcCuq04Uqf |