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A COMMUNITY IN SHOCK UNE 23RD 2016 WILL GO DOWN in history. It was perhaps ironic that the results of the referendum were set against the backdrop of fireworks and bonfires of San Juan. The British public made the decision with a surprising 51.9 per cent to support Brexit and leave the European Union and 48.1 per cent voting against. However, voters were far from united in this momentous referendum. The victory reflected a divided country; in location, qualification and age. Those over 60 were most likely to vote to leave the EU as were those with a GCSE or equivalent as their highest qualification. Voters for Brexit largely came from DE social class (semi-skilled or unskilled), were in
casual labour or pensioners. Brexit voters were particularly concentrated in northern Britain with Northern Ireland (44.2 per cent), London (40.1%) and Scotland (38 per cent) recording the least leave votes. What the fall out will be is only speculation. The Leave voters have voted for the unknown and now the package of what exactly it will mean must be put together. A package that will be both complex and extensive.
A swift response from the EU If the UK was under any illusion that Europe would want to hold onto their membership as long as possible this was soon shattered. The presidents of the European council, commission and parliament
soon announced that there should be no delay to Britain’s exit as this would only ‘unnecessarily prolong uncertainty’. The UK is the first sovereign country who has voted to leave and is being urged to trigger article 50 of the Lisbon treaty as soon as possible tobegin the process of separation. The EU is keen to prevent a chain reaction following Britain’s exit. This means they will not want the UK to appear to emerge easily from the relationship or without paying a penalty. Already any access to the single market has been ruled out. Following the resignation of David Cameron there will be a delay of at least three months before article 50 can be set in motion as only the
Tues 28th June - Mon 4th July 2016
INSET: THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
prime minister can do this and he has delegated this to his successor.
Spanish politicians respond The reaction of Spain’s politicians was one of disappointment. However, Acting Prime Minister at the time of Brexit, Mariano Rajoy, was keen to emphasise that there would be no rushed alterations to present procedures and he asked for ‘calm and quiet’. His assurances also extended to Gibraltar where he claimed that the rights of Spanish citizens there have not changed and that they can continue working, trading and circulating with CONTINUED
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