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EU referendum polling day: last opinion poll shows four-point remain lead - live EU referendum polling day: voters endure deluge with result too close to call - live
(35 minutes later)
2.13pm BST
14:13
Nigel Farage has put out a final Leave.EU video appeal that picks up Boris Johnson rallying cry to make today “Independence Day”. It features lots of nostalgic clips: Ian Botham winning the ashes in 1981, British troops in the Falklands, steam trains, and spitfires.
1.58pm BST
13:58
Column Eastwood leader of the SDLP has used his daughter Rosa (who is one today) to make a last ditch video appeal for remain.
Talking outside a local polling station in Derry city he said: “I want to make sure Rosa grows up in the European Union”.
1.48pm BST
13:48
Sarah Marsh
We’ve been asking our readers to send over their referendum day photographs and comments. Here’s a selection:
Mark, 49, Cologne:
The EU referendum has been in the news here a lot and Germany is fully aware of the implications whichever way the result goes. Germany does not want to see the UK leave and truly believe we’re stronger together. I’m an expat who came to Germany after leaving the RAF and married my German spouse. I came over 20 years ago. Now all I can now do is sit and watch, as I’m not allowed to vote due to being away from the UK for too long. The rest of my family are all in the UK and I know they’ll be making the right decision. As for me? I will have to wait until breakfast tomorrow for the result.
Naomi Tayler, 38, South Cambridgeshire:
It was a busy polling station in Melbourne at 7am this morning, I was accompanied to vote by my cocker spaniel, Bella and border terrier, Daisy, who are now regular attendees at the polling station. Unfortunately the dogs were so enthusiastic they ruined a fellow voters white trousers by jumping up!
Catherine Phipps, 20, Paris:
I’m a student at the University of London Institute in Paris, and will be following the coverage in Paris with my other British friends who live here. None of the French people can understand why we would leave. I don’t either.
Chloe, 27, Harrow:
My polling station has pimped up for the day with a lot of patriotic memorabilia. Is this what democracy looks like?
Kate Smith, 19, Newcastle upon Tyne:
I’ve only voted twice before, but both of those times I was in and out of the polling station within minutes. Today, when I arrived, there was a queue of around 15 people lined up outside – it was 8am! The most encouraging thing was that of these 15 people, around two thirds were under 25. I’m so glad that my generation is engaging in this referendum, which in my opinion could be the most important decision we could make.
Help us document what’s happening around the UK on polling say by sharing your stories, photos and videos here.
Updated
at 2.00pm BST
1.42pm BST
13:42
There’s been little sign of leave campaigner Boris Johnson today. That’s because he’s been attending his daughter graduation ceremony in St Andrews. Will he make it back to London in time to vote?
1.37pm BST1.37pm BST
13:3713:37
A poll of polls by Britain Elects puts the likely outcome on 51% for remain and 49% for leave.A poll of polls by Britain Elects puts the likely outcome on 51% for remain and 49% for leave.
With Populus, Mori, ComRes, YouGov, Opinium, TNS and Survation, our averages stand at: Remain: 51.0%Leave: 49.0% pic.twitter.com/C8jebJ9aAAWith Populus, Mori, ComRes, YouGov, Opinium, TNS and Survation, our averages stand at: Remain: 51.0%Leave: 49.0% pic.twitter.com/C8jebJ9aAA
1.30pm BST1.30pm BST
13:3013:30
Polls in the last 10 days of the campaign have been split, but the last four all have Remain ahead.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/0wyCVgo4QyThe final final polling table - the numbers against which the pollsters will be judged pic.twitter.com/0wyCVgo4Qy
1.28pm BST1.28pm BST
13:2813:28
Caroline DaviesCaroline Davies
Long queues have been reported outside some polling stations as voters cast their ballots in Britain’s closely fought EU referendum.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.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.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.”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 stationsRelated: Long queues reported outside referendum polling stations
1.22pm BST1.22pm BST
13:2213:22
Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
Voting is said to be “brisk” across Northern Ireland in the EU referendum according to the Electoral Office in the region.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.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%.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.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 BST1.19pm BST
13:1913:19
Steven MorrisSteven 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.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?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/nfUAD4obQUWilts 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 BST1.16pm BST
13:1613:16
Sarah MarshSarah Marsh
Betfair has taken £5m on the EU referendum this morning as punters rush to place final bets ahead of tomorrow’s results.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.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.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.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).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.”“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 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.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 BST
12:34
Steven Morris
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/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.
12.33pm BST
12:33
Alan 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.
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.
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.
#GBP jumps after @IpsosMORI releases opinion -not exit- poll for 52% Remain. #EUref pic.twitter.com/uBBRj7GjQe
12.30pm BST
12:30
Sam 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.”
#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.”
Me 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.
There’s more on European press coverage here.
Related: 'Britons, vote in our name': UK referendum dominates continental front pages
12.26pm BST
12:26
Constanze Letsch
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.
“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.
12.23pm BST
12:23
Rosie Scammell
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.
The Italian papers have also noted prime minister Matteo Renzi’s pro-Remain article in the Guardian.
12.16pm BST
12:16
Here’s a summary of where things currently stand just over four hours since polls opened:
Updated
at 12.21pm BST
11.51am BST
11:51
Rachel 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.
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.
Related: What's happening where you are on EU referendum polling day?
11.50am BST
11:50
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.
Professor Briain Cox, Britain’s favourite scientist, quipped:
I voted in pencil just in case MI5 need to change it later