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EU referendum live: Boris Johnson says no rush for Brexit as Cameron quits EU referendum live: Boris Johnson says no rush for Brexit as Cameron quits
(35 minutes later)
4.39pm BST
16:39
Europeans working in London have reacted to the referendum results with shock.
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Groups of 16 and 17-year-olds have been outside Downing Street protesting about the result, my colleague Ione Wells reports.
Many displayed banners saying, “where was our vote” and “it’s our future”. Several of the teenagers they quoted other rights they have at sixteen and referenced the Scottish referendum, asking why they were not allowed to vote in a decision that would have a “huge impact on our futures”.
“We are out here today, which shows we have political beliefs and know how to express them”, one said. Another commented how she believed the result could have been significantly different were 16-year-olds allowed to vote, citing the 75% of 18-35 year olds who voted to remain.
Ben, 26, sitting outside the gates of Downing Street protesting the result, said:
I should have been here a week ago, well, not here in London. We won comfortably here - but elsewhere, further afield, now I feel like we are all living with the result of not doing more while we could.
He told the Guardian that for him the referendum, “was not about economics, or migration, alone. It is about the sort of society, world and Europe that I wanted Britain to help create and maintain in the future”.
Ultimately, he said, he was very disappointed that the result was largely due to fears of immigration. “That makes me very sad”, he continued, “because endless studies have shown that migrants contribute more than they take out.”
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Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader, used a speech earlier today to launch a strong attack on Jeremy Corbyn’s conduct during the election campaign.
With politicians of all parties working together, one of the things that stood out in this campaign, was Jeremy Corbyn’s bizarre refusal to share a platform in the face of the greatest challenge our country was faced in a generation.
I have stood alongside Gordon Brown, Harriet Harman, Chukka Umunna, Andy Burnham and Sadiq Khan.
Great progressive Labour politicians that I admire – forced to campaign with their hands tied behind their back because of short-sighted demands from their leader’s office.
Where was the leader of that party?
Even when the future of our country depended on him, he could not bring himself to reach across the aisle.
When the call went out for help, Jeremy Corbyn refused to answer.
The once-proud working class Labour vote has abandoned Corbyn in droves.
Great Labour cities have been driven into the arms of Ukip and Nigel Farage.
It is clearer than ever that Jermyn Corbyn has more concern for his own position in his own party, rather than his country.
Farron also urged people who wanted “a new modern breed of politics – liberal, hopeful, international, rational – driven by real British values” to join the Lib Dems.
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4.08pm BST
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Labour says government should abandon its budget surplus target
John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, has put out a statement saying the EU referendum vote represents “a decisive rejection of the Conservative’s economic policy, resulting in stagnant real wages for a decade and widespread disaffection where people have not shared in prosperity”. He said the government should abandon its budget surplus target for 2019-20, launch an investment programme and give up plans to have an emergency austerity budget.
He said:
Labour will not allow any instability to be paid for by the working people of this country. There is no justification or mandate whatsoever for an emergency austerity budget. We need a clear programme of action to protect our economy.
4.01pm BST4.01pm BST
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Christine Lagarde, head of the IMF, is speaking to journalists in Washington.Christine Lagarde, head of the IMF, is speaking to journalists in Washington.
She says it will take some time to work out what the UK’s relationship with the EU will be. And she welcomes the moves taken by the Bank of England today to assure the markets, she says.She says it will take some time to work out what the UK’s relationship with the EU will be. And she welcomes the moves taken by the Bank of England today to assure the markets, she says.
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Arthur NeslenArthur Neslen
EU climate change officials are calling for an early signal of intent from a post-Brexit UK government that it will remain committed to joint European action on global warming.EU climate change officials are calling for an early signal of intent from a post-Brexit UK government that it will remain committed to joint European action on global warming.
Of particular interest for Europe is whether the UK shows it is still attached to last year’s Paris climate deal, the 2020 climate targets and, above all, the bloc’s carbon market, the Emissions Trading System (ETS).Of particular interest for Europe is whether the UK shows it is still attached to last year’s Paris climate deal, the 2020 climate targets and, above all, the bloc’s carbon market, the Emissions Trading System (ETS).
Committing to stay in the ETS, as non-EU countries Switzerland and Norway have done, would demonstrate that the new UK government was prepared to honour existing international agreements, sources say.Committing to stay in the ETS, as non-EU countries Switzerland and Norway have done, would demonstrate that the new UK government was prepared to honour existing international agreements, sources say.
“It is not impossible to imagine that kind of overture coming from the British side,” one senior official told the Guardian. “Everything is going to be a political football now, and it is just whether we play nicely with climate policy or not. There are mutual benefits to playing nicely.”“It is not impossible to imagine that kind of overture coming from the British side,” one senior official told the Guardian. “Everything is going to be a political football now, and it is just whether we play nicely with climate policy or not. There are mutual benefits to playing nicely.”
The UK is unlikely to renege on carbon emissions reduction targets for 2020 that it has already substantially met. But the country is lagging on renewable energy goals and has credible enforcement mechanisms to rectify that have just disappeared.The UK is unlikely to renege on carbon emissions reduction targets for 2020 that it has already substantially met. But the country is lagging on renewable energy goals and has credible enforcement mechanisms to rectify that have just disappeared.
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Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
Good afternoon. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Haroon.Good afternoon. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Haroon.
The American ambassador to London, Matthew Barzun, has been tweeting about the referendum result.The American ambassador to London, Matthew Barzun, has been tweeting about the referendum result.
Well, it’s been a big day…and as @POTUS says, our unmatched & unbreakable #SpecialRelationship will endure. https://t.co/cmOp7Gy0XrWell, it’s been a big day…and as @POTUS says, our unmatched & unbreakable #SpecialRelationship will endure. https://t.co/cmOp7Gy0Xr
3.49pm BST3.49pm BST
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Alice RossAlice Ross
The commuter town of Watford was England’s most divided town last night, voting to leave the EU by a majority of just 252 votes.The commuter town of Watford was England’s most divided town last night, voting to leave the EU by a majority of just 252 votes.
Local politicians describe a fractious campaign season in a town that has a long history as a bellwether, switching between Tory and Labour MPs. Ahsan Khan, a Labour councillor, said that it was “probably the most representative population in the country”, with a mix of commuters and those who work locally, and an immigrant population that is “not huge, but not small either”. He said he had suspected in recent weeks that the town would vote Leave: “We probably didn’t realise soon enough that we need to work harder.” Local politicians describe a fractious campaign season in a town that has a long history as a bellwether, switching between Tory and Labour MPs. Ahsan Khan, a Labour councillor, said that it was “probably the most representative population in the country”, with a mix of commuters and those who work locally, and an immigrant population that is “not huge, but not small either”. He said he had suspected in recent weeks that the town would vote to leave: “We probably didn’t realise soon enough that we need to work harder.”
The local campaign was “polarised” and “passionate”, local Lib Dem councillor Stephen Johnson said. “One of my colleagues was spat at twice on a street stall. It brought out quite a lot of intolerance. It was quite bad-tempered.”The local campaign was “polarised” and “passionate”, local Lib Dem councillor Stephen Johnson said. “One of my colleagues was spat at twice on a street stall. It brought out quite a lot of intolerance. It was quite bad-tempered.”
But not for everybody. Sheltering in the shopping mall from yet another downpour with their five-week-old baby, Andrea Garcia and her husband Dominic said that they had backed opposite sides. “In the last few days we were talking about it,” Andrea said, but there were “no arguments”.But not for everybody. Sheltering in the shopping mall from yet another downpour with their five-week-old baby, Andrea Garcia and her husband Dominic said that they had backed opposite sides. “In the last few days we were talking about it,” Andrea said, but there were “no arguments”.
Dominic Garcia, an engineer, said that when he heard the outcome, “I was - gutted’s not the word - but shocked that it’s happening.” He was concerned about “backtracking” by Leave-supporting politicians, he said, “especially about the £350m to the NHS. That was on the side of a bus and now it’s not going to happen.” On hearing the outcome, Dominic Garcia, an engineer, said: “I was gutted’s not the word - but shocked that it’s happening.” He was concerned about “backtracking” by leave-supporting politicians, he said, “especially about the £350m to the NHS. That was on the side of a bus and now it’s not going to happen.”
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The Leave campaign in Wales has been holding a celebration in the city of Newport, one of the many Labour strongholds that voted out. The venue was carefully chosen – in front of a statue erected in memory of Chartism, the 19th century working class movement for political reform. The music was more obvious – the theme from the Great Escape. The Leave campaign in Wales has been holding a celebration in Newport, one of the many Labour strongholds that voted out. The venue was carefully chosen – in front of a statue erected in memory of Chartism, the 19th century working class movement for political reform. The music was more obvious – the theme from the Great Escape.
Leave rally In Newport, Wales. https://t.co/2dj9flfxQJLeave rally In Newport, Wales. https://t.co/2dj9flfxQJ
Nathan Gill, the Ukip leader in Wales, said the setting was significant.Nathan Gill, the Ukip leader in Wales, said the setting was significant.
Chartism was founded in Wales; it was a grassroots organisation. We have a grassroots organisation. There are people here from all political parties. There’re all kinds of different people. The Chartists knew what they wanted – the fundamental causes on their charter. We knew what we wanted, we could boil it down to one thing: we want our country back.Chartism was founded in Wales; it was a grassroots organisation. We have a grassroots organisation. There are people here from all political parties. There’re all kinds of different people. The Chartists knew what they wanted – the fundamental causes on their charter. We knew what we wanted, we could boil it down to one thing: we want our country back.
Leave campaigners David Davies, Tory MP, (left) and Ukip's Nathan Gill in Newport. pic.twitter.com/ZigxzjZ35rLeave campaigners David Davies, Tory MP, (left) and Ukip's Nathan Gill in Newport. pic.twitter.com/ZigxzjZ35r
The celebration was heckled by a passer-by who accused the Leave activists of being racists. Gill denied the accusation. He said:The celebration was heckled by a passer-by who accused the Leave activists of being racists. Gill denied the accusation. He said:
We’re the party that have been saying what all these people have been thinking and worrying about for years. The number one issue throughout the whole of Wales is immigration. Let’s face it, look around, there is very little immigration. So why is it the issue? Many people in Wales go to England, they have family there, they work there. We’ve seen what has happened in England and we don’t want it to happen in Wales. People don’t want their communities changed beyond recognition. They are very happy with their communities. That’s why there is this fear. It’s based on what they have observed.We’re the party that have been saying what all these people have been thinking and worrying about for years. The number one issue throughout the whole of Wales is immigration. Let’s face it, look around, there is very little immigration. So why is it the issue? Many people in Wales go to England, they have family there, they work there. We’ve seen what has happened in England and we don’t want it to happen in Wales. People don’t want their communities changed beyond recognition. They are very happy with their communities. That’s why there is this fear. It’s based on what they have observed.
He also pointed out the empty shops near the statue.He also pointed out the empty shops near the statue.
People aren’t daft. We’re in a very depressed area. All this talk of this huge amount of EU money, where is it?People aren’t daft. We’re in a very depressed area. All this talk of this huge amount of EU money, where is it?
Gill was joined by Tory MP for Monmouth David Davies, who has campaigned for Leave. He said:Gill was joined by Tory MP for Monmouth David Davies, who has campaigned for Leave. He said:
I think people here feel they haven’t been listened to for years. People are fed up. They haven’t been listened to on issues like immigration. They feel they have been ignored by all the political parties.I think people here feel they haven’t been listened to for years. People are fed up. They haven’t been listened to on issues like immigration. They feel they have been ignored by all the political parties.
There were people of all political persuasions at the event, some of whom have been getting a tough time for supporting leave. “People have called me racist, they have been swearing at me,” said student Luke Carlmain, 27.There were people of all political persuasions at the event, some of whom have been getting a tough time for supporting leave. “People have called me racist, they have been swearing at me,” said student Luke Carlmain, 27.
Labour member/Leave supporter Luke Carlmain in Newport. pic.twitter.com/3jI2aEbGtuLabour member/Leave supporter Luke Carlmain in Newport. pic.twitter.com/3jI2aEbGtu
I’m not racist. I like immigration. I don’t want immigration to stop. I just want it controlled. I think Brussels simply has too much power.I’m not racist. I like immigration. I don’t want immigration to stop. I just want it controlled. I think Brussels simply has too much power.
Should the Labour first minister, Carwyn Jones, follow David Cameron and resign because of his part in the failed remain campaign?Should the Labour first minister, Carwyn Jones, follow David Cameron and resign because of his part in the failed remain campaign?
“I’d like to see him go. I think he has to think very carefully,” said Carlmain.“I’d like to see him go. I think he has to think very carefully,” said Carlmain.
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Jeremy Corbyn has cancelled his appearance at Glastonbury after the referendum result.Jeremy Corbyn has cancelled his appearance at Glastonbury after the referendum result.
The Labour leader had been scheduled to speak on Sunday at an event called Jez We Can: Jeremy Corbyn in Conversation, which would have made him the first Labour leader to appear at Pilton.The Labour leader had been scheduled to speak on Sunday at an event called Jez We Can: Jeremy Corbyn in Conversation, which would have made him the first Labour leader to appear at Pilton.
A spokesman confirmed to the Press Association that he would be “focusing on the issues” thrown up by the “momentous” vote rather than travelling to Worthy Farm.A spokesman confirmed to the Press Association that he would be “focusing on the issues” thrown up by the “momentous” vote rather than travelling to Worthy Farm.
He is also facing a no confidence motion from two of his MPs.He is also facing a no confidence motion from two of his MPs.
3.21pm BST3.21pm BST
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Pamela DuncanPamela Duncan
It wasn’t just a bad night for Europhiles and David Cameron, but also for pollsters, who misread the mood of the electorate in the run-up to the vote.It wasn’t just a bad night for Europhiles and David Cameron, but also for pollsters, who misread the mood of the electorate in the run-up to the vote.
Of 168 polls carried out since the EU referendum wording was decided last September, fewer than a third (55 in all) predicted a leave vote.Of 168 polls carried out since the EU referendum wording was decided last September, fewer than a third (55 in all) predicted a leave vote.
The actual result on the night came in at 51.9% leave, 48.1% remain. Just 16 of 168 individual polls predicted a 52:48 split in favour of leave.The actual result on the night came in at 51.9% leave, 48.1% remain. Just 16 of 168 individual polls predicted a 52:48 split in favour of leave.
Polls did give a sense of the swing to leave in the first weeks of June, but edged back to favour remain in the final days before the vote. Just two of six polls released the day before the referendum – those carried out TNS and Opinium – gave leave the edge.Polls did give a sense of the swing to leave in the first weeks of June, but edged back to favour remain in the final days before the vote. Just two of six polls released the day before the referendum – those carried out TNS and Opinium – gave leave the edge.
3.15pm BST3.15pm BST
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Saeed Kamali DehghanSaeed Kamali Dehghan
Two senior Iranian officials reacted with glee at the Brexit vote, although there has not been an official statement from the administration of President Hassan Rouhani.Two senior Iranian officials reacted with glee at the Brexit vote, although there has not been an official statement from the administration of President Hassan Rouhani.
Hamid Aboutalebi, a senior political aide to Rouhani, said on Twitter:Hamid Aboutalebi, a senior political aide to Rouhani, said on Twitter:
A big earthquake has shaken Europe and England has left the EU, the stars of the EU’s flag are falling down.A big earthquake has shaken Europe and England has left the EU, the stars of the EU’s flag are falling down.
The economic developments in the countries situated in the southern Europe and the immigration crisis show that the [European] union is collapsing and Brexit has triggered the domino effect [of this collapse].The economic developments in the countries situated in the southern Europe and the immigration crisis show that the [European] union is collapsing and Brexit has triggered the domino effect [of this collapse].
The leaving of England from the EU is a historic opportunity for Iran and we should make the most out of this new opportunity.The leaving of England from the EU is a historic opportunity for Iran and we should make the most out of this new opportunity.
Deputy chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, Massoud Jazayeri, was quoted by the Fars news agency as saying that “the European Union is a pawn in the hands of America”. He added:Deputy chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, Massoud Jazayeri, was quoted by the Fars news agency as saying that “the European Union is a pawn in the hands of America”. He added:
England should pay the price of years of imperialism and committing crimes against humanity. The people of Ireland, Scotland and others have the right to bring themselves out of the tyrannical rule of the [British] monarchy, the so-called Great Britain.England should pay the price of years of imperialism and committing crimes against humanity. The people of Ireland, Scotland and others have the right to bring themselves out of the tyrannical rule of the [British] monarchy, the so-called Great Britain.
3.09pm BST3.09pm BST
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Jessica ElgotJessica Elgot
Michael Sani from youth voter movement Bite the Ballot said he understood the feelings of helplessness and anger from the younger generation but that turnout had been affected by the direction of both campaigns.Michael Sani from youth voter movement Bite the Ballot said he understood the feelings of helplessness and anger from the younger generation but that turnout had been affected by the direction of both campaigns.
If no one inspires you, that is how you end up being marginalised, divided and fearing. This generation are so passionate, they care so much about issues but they are just not empowered to use the means of communication to get through to make real change. Both campaigns have been a disaster in terms of meaningful engagement on such complex issues.If no one inspires you, that is how you end up being marginalised, divided and fearing. This generation are so passionate, they care so much about issues but they are just not empowered to use the means of communication to get through to make real change. Both campaigns have been a disaster in terms of meaningful engagement on such complex issues.
There was still opportunity to make the issues that the younger generation care about a priority during the Brexit negotiations, Sani said.There was still opportunity to make the issues that the younger generation care about a priority during the Brexit negotiations, Sani said.
What people need to do now if they are angry is harness that feeling, these negotiations are still to come, and young people need to be at the table or they will end up being on the menu yet again.What people need to do now if they are angry is harness that feeling, these negotiations are still to come, and young people need to be at the table or they will end up being on the menu yet again.
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The Guardian’s editor-in-chief, Katharine Viner, and columnist Gary Younge are taking live questions on the referendum result now.The Guardian’s editor-in-chief, Katharine Viner, and columnist Gary Younge are taking live questions on the referendum result now.
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Here is a Guardian video of European leaders, including Jean-Claude Juncker, who said the UK must act on the vote “as soon as possible, however painful that process may be”.Here is a Guardian video of European leaders, including Jean-Claude Juncker, who said the UK must act on the vote “as soon as possible, however painful that process may be”.
2.58pm BST2.58pm BST
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Hillary Clinton: 'time of uncertainty'Hillary Clinton: 'time of uncertainty'
Like Obama, Hillary Clinton has responded to the Brexit vote by reaffirming the special relationship with the UK. She has also used it as an opportunity to take a swipe at her rival for the US presidency, Donald Trump, calling for “calm, steady, experienced leadership”:Like Obama, Hillary Clinton has responded to the Brexit vote by reaffirming the special relationship with the UK. She has also used it as an opportunity to take a swipe at her rival for the US presidency, Donald Trump, calling for “calm, steady, experienced leadership”:
We respect the choice the people of the United Kingdom have made. Our first task has to be to make sure that the economic uncertainty created by these events does not hurt working families here in America. We also have to make clear America’s steadfast commitment to the special relationship with Britain and the transatlantic alliance with Europe. This time of uncertainty only underscores the need for calm, steady, experienced leadership in the White House to protect Americans’ pocketbooks and livelihoods, to support our friends and allies, to stand up to our adversaries, and to defend our interests. It also underscores the need for us to pull together to solve our challenges as a country, not tear each other down.We respect the choice the people of the United Kingdom have made. Our first task has to be to make sure that the economic uncertainty created by these events does not hurt working families here in America. We also have to make clear America’s steadfast commitment to the special relationship with Britain and the transatlantic alliance with Europe. This time of uncertainty only underscores the need for calm, steady, experienced leadership in the White House to protect Americans’ pocketbooks and livelihoods, to support our friends and allies, to stand up to our adversaries, and to defend our interests. It also underscores the need for us to pull together to solve our challenges as a country, not tear each other down.
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Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has welcomed “commitments” from the Bank of England and the European Central Bank (ECB) to try to shore up the markets. She said:Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has welcomed “commitments” from the Bank of England and the European Central Bank (ECB) to try to shore up the markets. She said:
We take note of the decision by the people of the United Kingdom. We urge the authorities in the UK and Europe to work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition to a new economic relationship between the UK and the EU, including by clarifying the procedures and broad objectives that will guide the process.We take note of the decision by the people of the United Kingdom. We urge the authorities in the UK and Europe to work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition to a new economic relationship between the UK and the EU, including by clarifying the procedures and broad objectives that will guide the process.
We strongly support commitments of the Bank of England and the ECB to supply liquidity to the banking system and curtail excess financial volatility. We will continue to monitor developments closely and stand ready to support our members as needed.We strongly support commitments of the Bank of England and the ECB to supply liquidity to the banking system and curtail excess financial volatility. We will continue to monitor developments closely and stand ready to support our members as needed.
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A Channel 4 correspondent in Barnsley, Yorkshire, where 68% voted to leave, has been interrupted by people shouting “send them home”.A Channel 4 correspondent in Barnsley, Yorkshire, where 68% voted to leave, has been interrupted by people shouting “send them home”.
Been standing here five minutes. Three different people have shouted "send them home". pic.twitter.com/cVvmYvC73oBeen standing here five minutes. Three different people have shouted "send them home". pic.twitter.com/cVvmYvC73o