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EU referendum polling day: voters brave deluge in knife-edge poll - live European Union referendum: queues and bad weather as UK votes – live
(35 minutes later)
3.12pm BST
15:12
3.10pm BST
15:10
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.
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.
3.03pm BST
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.
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.”
2.55pm BST
14:55
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.
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.
2.47pm BST2.47pm BST
14:4714:47
Frances PerraudinFrances 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 12.30am.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.”On the stroke of 12.50, 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.“The country paused after a very uncomfortable period of argument andexaggeration, 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.” 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.”
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.
“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
at 3.04pm BST
2.38pm BST2.38pm BST
14:3814:38
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 BST2.23pm BST
14:2314:23
Steven MorrisSteven 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/Yngzj8G04FCarwyn 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 BST2.21pm BST
14:2114:21
Libby BrooksLibby 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/xcCuq04UqfThere *is* an #EURef wish tree! All is not lost... https://t.co/xcCuq04Uqf
2.13pm BST2.13pm BST
14:1314:13
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.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 BST1.58pm BST
13:5813:58
Column Eastwood leader of the SDLP has used his daughter Rosa (who is one today) to make a last ditch video appeal for remain.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”.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 BST1.48pm BST
13:4813:48
Sarah MarshSarah Marsh
We’ve been asking our readers to send over their referendum day photographs and comments. Here’s a selection:We’ve been asking our readers to send over their referendum day photographs and comments. Here’s a selection:
Mark, 49, Cologne: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.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: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!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: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.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:Chloe, 27, Harrow:
My polling station has pimped up for the day with a lot of patriotic memorabilia. Is this what democracy looks like?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: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.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.Help us document what’s happening around the UK on polling say by sharing your stories, photos and videos here.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.00pm BSTat 2.00pm BST
1.42pm BST1.42pm BST
13:4213:42
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?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.