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Version 1 Version 2
EU referendum live: Johnson says no rush for Brexit as Cameron quits EU referendum live: Johnson says no rush for Brexit as Cameron quits
(35 minutes later)
2.14pm BST
14:14
The Guardian has charted David Cameron’s years as prime minister “from fresh-faced upstart to European failure”.
2.06pm BST
14:06
Sam Jones
Spain’s acting prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, has sought to allay fears over Brexit’s consequences for Britons in Spain and Spaniards in the UK.
The leave vote has shocked many of the 300,000 Britons who are officially registered in Spain, particularly older expatriates who rely on the Spanish health system for medical care.
In a televised address on Friday, Rajoy said the EU treaties governing Britain’s relations with the rest of the bloc would remain in force while London negotiates the terms of its exit – a process he said could take “at least two years”.
Their rights to move freely, to work, to pay social security contributions, to receive pensions, to invest, to vote or be elected in local elections will not be affected at all. The same applies to the rights of British citizens who live or work in our country or in the rest of the EU.
Pablo Iglesias, leader of Spain’s anti-austerity party Podemos tweeted that it was a “sad day for Europe”, adding: “No one would want to leave a fair and supportive Europe. We have to change Europe.”
The fate of Gibraltar appeared less clear after Spain’s acting foreign minister, José Manuel García-Margallo, said the leave vote had brought the prospect of a Spanish flag flying on the rock of Gibraltar closer.
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14:02
One investment bank is already moving staff overseas, according to the BBC.
Sources at Morgan Stanley tell BBC it's already begun process of moving 2,000 London based investment banking staff to Dublin or Frankfurt
UPDATE: Morgan Stanley has denied this:
Morgan Stanley denying it is moving 2,000 bankers from the UK to Ireland and or Germany
One of its rivals, JP Morgan, said earlier that there could be changes to “the location of some roles”.
Chief executive of U.S. bank JPMorgan says will maintain large presence in the UK, but may move some jobs elsewhere in months ahead
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13:53
Saeed Kamali Dehghan
The Norwegian minister for the European affairs, Elisabeth Aspaker, told the Guardian that Brexit marked a “loss for European cooperation” but said the results did not mean the UK could withdraw from the EU immediately.
Norway’s relationship with the EU will not be directly affected by the UK referendum. [However], it is a loss for European cooperation that a British majority wants the UK to leave the EU. But naturally, we respect the British people’s decision.
The Norwegian minister said it was unclear what sort of association the UK will want to have with the EU, and not least what sort of arrangement the other EU member states will offer the UK after it leaves. According to Aspaker, if a new agreement between the EU and the UK is not in place before the UK formally withdraws from the EU, trade with the UK will be governed by the World Trade Organisation rules.
Norway’s trade with the UK will be regulated by the EEA [European Economic Area] agreement until the UK has formally left the EU. For more than 20 years, Norway and the UK have been part of the same internal market, where the free movement of goods, services, capital and people is ensured. Some 8% of Norway’s mainland exports go to the UK. If you include oil and gas, the figure is around 22%.”
When the UK formally leaves the EU, the EEA agreement will no longer provide the framework for Norwegian–UK trade. It is therefore important for us that new arrangements are negotiated that enable us to maintain trade and cooperation with our UK partners.
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Osborne: 'I'll do all I can to make it work'
The chancellor, George Osborne, does not appear to be following David Cameron in leaving office – not voluntarily anyway.
It was a hard fought campaign. It is not the outcome I wanted but I respect decision of British people and will do all I can to make it work
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13:48
Still in any doubt as to the momentousness of the vote?
Due to the #Brexit vote, @ITV will be airing rolling news coverage this morning and there will be no live Loose Women today.
The BBC has also made a lot of changes to its schedule, including extending the News at One, the News at 10, airing a one-off special with Nick Robinson on BBC One and extending Newsnight.
On the radio, all the main news bulletins on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4 are to be extended and BBC Radio 5 live has cleared its schedule to provide live reaction and analysis until Saturday afternoon when it will resume coverage of Euro 2016.
1.44pm BST1.44pm BST
13:4413:44
Damian CarringtonDamian Carrington
The short answer to what happens next with pollution, wildlife, farming, green energy, climate change and more is we don’t know – we are in uncharted territory. But all the indications – from the “red-tape” slashing desires of the Brexiters to the judgment of environmental professionals – are that the protections for our environment will get weaker.The short answer to what happens next with pollution, wildlife, farming, green energy, climate change and more is we don’t know – we are in uncharted territory. But all the indications – from the “red-tape” slashing desires of the Brexiters to the judgment of environmental professionals – are that the protections for our environment will get weaker.
From the air we breathe to the food we eat to the climate we live in, how we protect and enhance the environment underpins the healthy and happy lives we all aspire to, now and for generations to come.From the air we breathe to the food we eat to the climate we live in, how we protect and enhance the environment underpins the healthy and happy lives we all aspire to, now and for generations to come.
The Brexit vote leaves it highly uncertain which protections will remain in place and the prospect of improving them seems remote. Nigel Farage, the politician who did more than anyone to force the EU referendum, doesn’t even think climate change is a problem and wants to scrap pollution limits on power stations.The Brexit vote leaves it highly uncertain which protections will remain in place and the prospect of improving them seems remote. Nigel Farage, the politician who did more than anyone to force the EU referendum, doesn’t even think climate change is a problem and wants to scrap pollution limits on power stations.
With 400,000 early deaths a year from air pollution – 40,000 in the UK – the EU saw things differently and set new legal limits in 2010. Many UK cities and towns remain above those limits today and campaigners have used EU rules to successfully sue the UK government. But UK ministers are even now fighting new EU rules to reduce early deaths. Pollution does not stop in its tracks at national borders, and 88% of environment professionals in the UK think an EU-wide policy is needed.With 400,000 early deaths a year from air pollution – 40,000 in the UK – the EU saw things differently and set new legal limits in 2010. Many UK cities and towns remain above those limits today and campaigners have used EU rules to successfully sue the UK government. But UK ministers are even now fighting new EU rules to reduce early deaths. Pollution does not stop in its tracks at national borders, and 88% of environment professionals in the UK think an EU-wide policy is needed.
Earlier legal action from the EU forced the UK to clean up its sewage-strewn beaches, while many of the protections for nature and wildlife across the nation stem from EU rules.Earlier legal action from the EU forced the UK to clean up its sewage-strewn beaches, while many of the protections for nature and wildlife across the nation stem from EU rules.
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13:4213:42
Steven MorrisSteven Morris
Pray for the UK (and its partners) is the message from the Bishops of the Church in Wales:Pray for the UK (and its partners) is the message from the Bishops of the Church in Wales:
In facing the outcome of the EU referendum, we commend a period of calm and reflection as the UK seeks to find its way forward in this new situation.In facing the outcome of the EU referendum, we commend a period of calm and reflection as the UK seeks to find its way forward in this new situation.
As Christians we hold to the Gospel values of truthfulness, inclusion, and respect; and so after the passionate debate, we pray for reconciliation amongst the divided factions in our nations, communities and families.As Christians we hold to the Gospel values of truthfulness, inclusion, and respect; and so after the passionate debate, we pray for reconciliation amongst the divided factions in our nations, communities and families.
We pray for the United Kingdom and for our partners in Europe and the rest of the world at this time of uncertainty, as we continue to work together to build a just and peaceful future in which all people can flourish.We pray for the United Kingdom and for our partners in Europe and the rest of the world at this time of uncertainty, as we continue to work together to build a just and peaceful future in which all people can flourish.
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The Press Gazette suggests the influence of rightwing papers could have been decisive in the referendum result.The Press Gazette suggests the influence of rightwing papers could have been decisive in the referendum result.
The editors of the Sun, Telegraph, Express and Mail titles can reflect today that it was probably them ‘wot won it’ for the leave campaign.The editors of the Sun, Telegraph, Express and Mail titles can reflect today that it was probably them ‘wot won it’ for the leave campaign.
This week they all declared for leave with prominent editorials. But throughout the campaign they have made their positions clear with front-page stories which have been chosen and written to benefit the leave side of the argument.This week they all declared for leave with prominent editorials. But throughout the campaign they have made their positions clear with front-page stories which have been chosen and written to benefit the leave side of the argument.
Together these titles reach around 28 million readers in print over the course of the month, according to the National Readership Survey.Together these titles reach around 28 million readers in print over the course of the month, according to the National Readership Survey.
With just over a one million votes separating the leave and remain sides their influence could well have been decisive.With just over a one million votes separating the leave and remain sides their influence could well have been decisive.
It notes that 26 out of the last 28 Daily Express pages were positive for the leave campaign. By contrast it says remain received “luke-warm” support from the Guardian, Times and Mirror.It notes that 26 out of the last 28 Daily Express pages were positive for the leave campaign. By contrast it says remain received “luke-warm” support from the Guardian, Times and Mirror.
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13:3313:33
Associate EU status for Britain?Associate EU status for Britain?
Philip OltermannPhilip Oltermann
Handelsblatt says it has been leaked an eight-page emergency plan with the “German strategy for Brexit”.Handelsblatt says it has been leaked an eight-page emergency plan with the “German strategy for Brexit”.
The newspaper says Germany would offer “constructive departure negotiations” but divorce proceedings would be difficult, for example regarding Britain’s involvement in the European investment bank. After the two-year period, the German government would aim for “associate status for the UK” and Great Britain would become an “associate partner country”.The newspaper says Germany would offer “constructive departure negotiations” but divorce proceedings would be difficult, for example regarding Britain’s involvement in the European investment bank. After the two-year period, the German government would aim for “associate status for the UK” and Great Britain would become an “associate partner country”.
But the paper also says there would be “no automatic access to the single market”, for fear of encouraging other countries such as France, Austria, Finland or the Netherlands to follow Britain’s lead. One would try to “avoid offering false incentives for other member states when settling on new arrangements”.But the paper also says there would be “no automatic access to the single market”, for fear of encouraging other countries such as France, Austria, Finland or the Netherlands to follow Britain’s lead. One would try to “avoid offering false incentives for other member states when settling on new arrangements”.
It adds: “The extent of such imitation effects would depend largely on how Great Britain was being treated.”It adds: “The extent of such imitation effects would depend largely on how Great Britain was being treated.”
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1.31pm BST1.31pm BST
13:3113:31
Steven MorrisSteven Morris
Ukip’s Wales campaign manager Sam Gould has been keeping his strength up with help from a steak and a pint of Coca-Cola.Ukip’s Wales campaign manager Sam Gould has been keeping his strength up with help from a steak and a pint of Coca-Cola.
Ukip Wales campaign manager Sam Gould celebrating with his family - and a big steak. pic.twitter.com/SJ7ZRqZfFaUkip Wales campaign manager Sam Gould celebrating with his family - and a big steak. pic.twitter.com/SJ7ZRqZfFa
His home patch is Caerphilly, which has always returned Labour MPs. It was one of those Labour heartlands that voted resoundingly for out – 57.6% against 42.4%.His home patch is Caerphilly, which has always returned Labour MPs. It was one of those Labour heartlands that voted resoundingly for out – 57.6% against 42.4%.
Gould rejects the idea put forward by the Labour first minister Carwyn Jones that such results were a protest against the Tory government in Westminster. “That is them trying to deflect attention,” he said. “They need to wake up and look at the facts.”Gould rejects the idea put forward by the Labour first minister Carwyn Jones that such results were a protest against the Tory government in Westminster. “That is them trying to deflect attention,” he said. “They need to wake up and look at the facts.”
The real number one issue?The real number one issue?
It’s uncontrolled immigration. We’re having to build on a picturesque mountain. They are looking to build thousands of homes on green spaces. This is down to pressures on housing that immigration has contributed to.It’s uncontrolled immigration. We’re having to build on a picturesque mountain. They are looking to build thousands of homes on green spaces. This is down to pressures on housing that immigration has contributed to.
What next for Wales?What next for Wales?
We’re going to be getting our freedom and democracy back. It brings hope to our steel industry, to our manufacturers, which have been decimated by the EU. Companies are struggling because of EU regulations. They now have hope. It is now about project hope.We’re going to be getting our freedom and democracy back. It brings hope to our steel industry, to our manufacturers, which have been decimated by the EU. Companies are struggling because of EU regulations. They now have hope. It is now about project hope.
1.26pm BST1.26pm BST
13:2613:26
Libby BrooksLibby Brooks
The SNP reports that it is experiencing a surge in membership applications that would seem to mirror that which took place in the hours and days immediately after the 2014 independence referendum and which saw the party swell to the third largest in the UK. A party source said that they were being “inundated” with emails from previous no voters now pledging their support for independence following the conclusion of the EU referendum earlier this morning.The SNP reports that it is experiencing a surge in membership applications that would seem to mirror that which took place in the hours and days immediately after the 2014 independence referendum and which saw the party swell to the third largest in the UK. A party source said that they were being “inundated” with emails from previous no voters now pledging their support for independence following the conclusion of the EU referendum earlier this morning.
Meanwhile, other grass-roots pro-independence groups are reporting a similar trend. Women for Independence, one of the most successful campaign groups to emerge from the 2014 campaign, has already seen a spike this morning in people signing up, donating money, and identifying their local areas for activism. “The surge is back on” said one activist.Meanwhile, other grass-roots pro-independence groups are reporting a similar trend. Women for Independence, one of the most successful campaign groups to emerge from the 2014 campaign, has already seen a spike this morning in people signing up, donating money, and identifying their local areas for activism. “The surge is back on” said one activist.
1.24pm BST
13:24
This picture shows Jeremy Corbyn watching David Cameron’s resignation speech as people simultaneously take photos of the Labour leader.
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13:21
Severin Carrell
Nicola Sturgeon said her ministers were contacting Scottish business leaders today to reassure them. But one senior business figure, Lindsay Gardiner, regional chair of the consultants PwC Scotland, said raising the prospects of a second Scottish independence referendum was “both premature and unhelpful”.
Gardiner said:
The UK’s decision to leave the EU is already creating uncertainty and impacting business confidence in Scotland so to fuel speculation about another referendum at this early stage would be both premature and unhelpful.
Grahame Smith, general secretary of the Scottish TUC, said there were substantial issues posed by a second independence referendum.
While a second independence referendum will undoubtedly bring added uncertainty, the democratic wishes of the people of Scotland also need to be acknowledged.
However, it is essential that it is fully recognised that the economic implications of an independent Scotland are different now from those in 2014, with the rest of the UK – our nearest neighbour and biggest trading partner – exiting the EU.
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1.14pm BST
13:14
UK told to leave as soon as possible
The reaction from the EU to Britain’s leave vote has been unequivocal – there is no going back. Not only that but they have told Britain to get a move on in invoking article 50 of the Lisbon treaty, which represents formal notification of the decision to leave.
Jennifer Rankin and others write:
The presidents of the European council, commission and parliament – Donald Tusk, Jean-Claude Juncker and Martin Schulz respectively – and Mark Rutte, the prime minister of the Netherlands, who holds the EU’s rotating presidency, said any delay to Britain’s exit would “unnecessarily prolong uncertainty”.
After emergency talks in Brussels, the four said they regretted, but respected Britain’s decision.
“This is an unprecedented situation, but we are united in our response,” they said in a joint statement.
While the UK – the first sovereign country to vote to leave – would remain a member until exit negotiations were concluded, they said, Europe expected it to “give effect to this decision ... as soon as possible” by triggering article 50 of the Lisbon treaty, which is in effect Britain’s formal letter of resignation.
The special settlement negotiated by David Cameron earlier this year was void and could not be renegotiated, they said.
This would appear to dash the hopes of Boris Johnson and others in the leave camp who have suggested there is no rush for Brexit.
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1.09pm BST
13:09
Holly Watt
For Jim Plows, in Clacton, Essex, the news of Brexit this morning triggered “panic stations”.
Despite voting to leave Europe, the 77-year-old said he was surprised by the news. His wife, Pam, said her first thoughts as the results came in was: “Oh dear.”
The retired couple from Jaywick, in Essex, were among several visitors to Clacton pier to say they were concerned about the process for Britain leaving the EU.
“The next year will be a worry,” said Jim Plows.
Pam Plows said:
We do have to put our country first. It’s got to the point where there’s been flooding here over the last few days, and there’s no help, and then we’re sending millions to other countries.
Diane Claringbold, 51, said she was pleased about the result:
I’m glad that we’re out. This country needs to start looking after its own people and not everyone else’s, people like the Chelsea pensioners and the homeless.”
Claringbold, who is disabled, said that she voted leave because of pressures on the NHS.
“I’ve waited eight months for an appointment at Colchester hospital. Other countries are fine outside Europe, we’ll be fine too.”
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13:03
Labour has responded to the motion of no confidence by two MPs against Jeremy Corbyn:
Labour spokesman says Hodge/Coffey no confidence motion is a "self indulgent act" when party should be coming together
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13:00
Labour MP Margaret Hodge has explained why she has proposed a no-confidence motion against the party leader, Jeremy Corbyn. She told ITV News his performance during the referendum campaign was not good enough:
He came out of the stable too late ... he was half-hearted ... We are about to enter into the most tumultuous period of our lifetime. We need someone who has demonstrated leadership qualities.
Hodge said most Labour voters did not know where the party stood on the EU, a criticism that was also made during the campaign.
She said “one of these, young, talented MPs” will hopefully come forward to take Corbyn’s place.
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12.52pm BST
12:52
Peter Walker
There was some briefly stunned reaction when Nicola Sturgeon talked of “clear common cause” between Scotland and London when it came to staying within the EU. This did not, however, mark the start of some complex plan for somehow involving London also holding an independence referendum.
She was referring instead to something also outlined by London’s Labour mayor, Sadiq Khan – the desire of another place which voted firmly against Brexit to have an independent voice in the negotiations over how this happens.
In a statement on the mayoral website Khan said it was “crucial” for London that it remained part of the EU’s single market, and that he would push the government to make sure this happened. “It is crucial that London has a voice at the table during those renegotiations, alongside Scotland and Northern Ireland,” he said.
It is understood that what this means in practice will be a demand for the capital to have actual representation in Brussels during any negotiations over departure, when this happens, whether in the form of Khan himself or officials from City Hall. Khan’s official had been in touch with Sturgeon’s team to present a unified front on this ambition.
London voted 60% in favour of remaining in the EU, although within this there were significant splits between boroughs, with inner London notably more pro-EU than the outer suburbs. For example, Lambeth recorded a 78.6% vote in favour or remain, while in Barking and Dagenham this was just 37.6%
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12:50
Immigration was one of the key issues cited by voters during the referendum and a primary focus for the leave campaign. However, the Guardian’s home affairs editor, Alan Travis, writes that the results indicate that those who experienced the highest levels of immigration are the least anxious about it:
The highest levels of remain voters were actually in areas of highest net migration while some of the strongest leave areas have had the fewest recent new migrants.
London, which absorbed 133,000 of the 330,000 net migration in 2015, voted the most strongly for remain. Manchester also voted for remain – and with net migration of 13,554 had nearly double the level of net migration seen in Birmingham, which voted leave.
The pattern is starkest at the local authority level. Lambeth in London, which recorded the highest remain vote of 78%, saw a net influx of 4,598, while Castle Point in Essex, which includes Canvey Island, saw a net inflow of only 81 new international migrants in 2015, but 72% of people there voted leave.
The pattern was repeated in Conservative Wandsworth in London, where net migration was 6,295 and 75% voted remain, and Labour Hartlepool, where there was a net increase of only 113 in new migrants but 69% voted to leave.
He does go on to point out that there are variations to this pattern.
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12.42pm BST
12:42
NHS England leaders have moved to reassure EU staff working in the service. The NHS relies heavily on foreign nationals. In 2014, the Guardian revealed that 11% of all staff for whom data was available and who worked for the NHS and in community health services in England were not British (rising to 26% for doctors, not including GPs).
NHS England medical director, Bruce Keogh, said of European staff:
It is important we make them feel welcome.
NHS Employers chief executive Danny Mortimer told HSJ:
Leaders across the NHS need to let the EU nationals in their teams know how valued this contribution will continue to be.
Sir Bruce Keogh statement on NHS workforce in wake of #brexit vote: https://t.co/ug8FMyfsVx pic.twitter.com/5G7pt5p0Xp
NHS Employers chief @NHSE_Danny tells HSJ politicians need to ensure continued commitment to EU staff contribution pic.twitter.com/1jKIUQKqg6
12.39pm BST
12:39
Good afternoon, this is a continuation of our live coverage of reaction to the momentous decision taken by Britain to leave the European Union. You can read the previous live blog here.
Here is a summary of the key developments: