2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum — referendum on the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union which took place on 23 June 2016
The UK voted 51.9% to leave the EU in 2016, initiating the Brexit process that formally concluded with withdrawal in 2020.
Key Facts
- Date of referendum
- 23 June 2016
- Leave vote share
- 51.9%
- Legal basis
- European Union Referendum Act 2015
- Previous UK referendum on EC
- 1975, with 67% approving continued membership
- UK withdrawal formalised
- 2020
- Official Leave campaign group
- Vote Leave
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Conservative Party's 2015 general election victory, Prime Minister David Cameron fulfilled a manifesto pledge to hold a referendum on EU membership. The UK had been a member since 1973, but debates over parliamentary sovereignty, economic costs and benefits, and immigration had intensified, and no public vote had been held since 1975 when 67% approved continued membership.
On 23 June 2016, voters across the United Kingdom and Gibraltar were asked whether the country should remain in or leave the European Union. Official campaigns ran from 15 April to 23 June, with Britain Stronger in Europe supporting Remain and Vote Leave supporting Leave. The result was 51.9% in favour of leaving, with England and Wales largely backing Leave while Scotland, Northern Ireland, Greater London, and Gibraltar backed Remain.
Immediately after the result, global financial markets reacted negatively and Prime Minister Cameron announced his resignation, leaving office in July 2016. Jeremy Corbyn faced an internal Labour leadership challenge. In 2017 the UK formally notified the EU of its intent to withdraw, a process completed in 2020, marking the first time a member state had left the European Union.