Southwark voters favoured Remain in the EU Referendum but it wasn’t enough as Leave won 52 per cent of the national vote.
With a turnout of 66.3 per cent, 72.3 per cent of Southwark voters wanted to stay in the EU, and 27.7 per cent wanted to leave.
Neil Coyle, MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, told the News that he is “already aware of jobs being lost” as a result of the referendum.
He said: “The vast majority of local people voted to stay in the EU, but nationally the result was different sadly. I’m already aware of jobs being lost as a result – and companies not signing leases on new premises in Southwark.
“Scotland faces a new referendum on UK membership. France leapt ahead of us in global economic rankings. This is just day one. The quitters called it ‘project fear’ but it’s become reality very quickly and things could get a lot worse.”
Here’s a breakdown of the votes:
- Remain: 94,293
- Leave: 35,209
- Electorate: 195,875
- Verified Ballot Papers: 129,680
- Turnout: 66.3 per cent
- Ballot Papers Counted : 129,677
- Valid Votes: 129,502
- Rejected Ballots: 175
Southwark Council Leader Peter John said on Twitter that it is “the worst – a Day of Division – not of independence”:
I'm not convinced by the faux joy of the Leave campaigners on @BBCNews – looks like they realise it's a viciously hollow victory
— Peter John (@peterjohn6) June 24, 2016
The worst – a Day of Division – not of independence
— Peter John (@peterjohn6) June 24, 2016
The UK will cope with Brexit and the loss of Cameron, but this is just the beginning of the realignment of our politics and nation.
— Peter John (@peterjohn6) June 24, 2016
Prime Minister David Cameron announced this morning that he will be standing down for a new leader to take over his role by October, at which point Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty will be triggered to begin the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU.
Once Article 50 is triggered a two year countdown begins after which the Treaties that govern the EU will no longer apply to the UK.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said: “I believe that Britain is better off within the European Union, but the British people have clearly spoken today, and their democratic will must now be fulfilled.
“I would like to praise David Cameron for the dignified way he has reacted to the message sent by the British people in his words at Downing Street today. I agree with the Prime Minister that Britain can survive and prosper outside the European Union.
“I want to send a clear message to the British people and to businesses and investors around the world this morning – there is no need to panic.
“I still believe that our country is better off within the European Union, but there is no doubt that London will continue to be the successful city it is today. Our city and our country will continue to be the best place in the world to do business. And we will continue to look outwards and trade and engage with the entire world – including the European Union.
“Although we will be outside the EU, it is crucial that we remain part of the single market. Leaving the single market of 500 million people – with its free-trade benefits – would be a mistake. I will be pushing the Government to ensure this is the cornerstone of the negotiations with the EU. It is crucial that London has a voice at the table during those renegotiations, alongside Scotland and Northern Ireland.
“We all have a responsibility to now seek to heal the divisions that have emerged throughout this campaign – and to focus on that which unites us, rather than that which divides us.
“I want to send a particular message to the almost one million Europeans living in London, who make a huge contribution to our city – working hard, paying taxes and contributing to our civic and cultural life. You are welcome here. We value the enormous contribution you make to our city and that will not change as a result of this referendum.”