Britain has voted to leave the European Union, with the Leave campaign securing around 51.8 per cent of the vote.
David Cameron, who will address the nation shortly, is now facing calls to resign as Prime Minister.
While England voted overwhelmingly for Brexit, Scotland and Northern Ireland backed Remain. Statements are expected to be made by Sinn Fein and the SNP later today calling for a breakaway from the Union. London backed Remain but the turnout was lower than expected because of bad weather.
The pound crashed to the lowest level since 1985 as sterling fell below $1.35. Complacency about a Brexit outcome will come clear this morning, as out of hours trading suggests that the FTSE 100 will drop by 8.8pc, or by some 560 points. The fall would be the third worst in history if stocks ended the day down as sharply.
‘Anti-EU contagion will spread’
La Stampa newspaper says there is now a profound risk of anti-EU contagion, with anti-Brussels sentiments spreading around the continent.
A recent poll found that 48 per cent of Italians would leave the EU if given the chance to vote in their own referendum.
“The United Kingdom has spoken. And its voice is being heard by the whole world,” the daily says in an analysis piece this morning.
Nick Squires, Rome Correspondent
Russia predicts break-up of UK
Roland Oliphant, our Moscow Correspondent, reports on the reaction from Russia.
Much has been made of the Kremlin’s supposed interest in Brexit, and now that it is happening some commentators here are pre-emptively pushing back at an anticipation blame being directed at Moscow.
“It looks like Britain is quitting the EU. Will they play the song “It’s all Putin’s fault?” Or will they analyse the problems of the EU this time?” tweeted Vladimir Soloviev, a popular television presenter who is generally considered loyal to the Kremlin line.
Meanwhile, media have focussed on the further breakup of Britain and even the EU and the growth of far right nationalism across the continent.
“British media are certain: at this rate the UK will leave the EU, but that could threaten the break up of the country itself,” reported Russia’s Vesti state television channel.
Brendan Cox speaks out on EU referendum result
The husband of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox has tweeted this about the EU referendum.
Today Jo wld have remained optimistic & focussed on what she cld do to bring our country back together around our best values#MoreInCommon
‘EU must eat some humble pie’
Nigel Evans MP told the Telegraph in Manchester he believes David Cameron should stay on as Prime Minister and that European leaders will need to eat some “humble pie.”
He said: “If it wasn’t for David Cameron we wouldn’t of had this referendum. So thank you David. We on the Leave side have as much faith in this country as he did at the beginning of the campaign. I hope he will stay on as Prime Minister and just focus on what we need to do to quietly dismantle the machinery of the European Union so we can act as an independent country.