ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

The UK has voted to leave the European Union in its referendum held yesterday. The result is sending shockwaves around Europe and the rest of the world as the wider ramifications are considered.

The Leave campaign won by 52 per cent to 48 per cent and turnout was almost 72 per cent - more than 30 million people voted.

Shortly after the result was announced, prime minister David Cameron resigned and said he will step down in October. He said he would attempt to "steady the ship" over the coming weeks and months but that "fresh leadership" was needed. He had strongly urged the country to vote to remain in the EU.

Germany's foreign ministry described a "sad day for Europe", adding that the news from Britain was "very sobering".

Donald Tusk, the president of the European Union Council, says that leaders will meet without Britain at a summit next week. "We are determined to keep our unity as 27 ... I will propose that we start a period of wider reflection on the future of our union," he said, adding: "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."

But there are also calls from many of Europe's leaders for reforms to the EU as fears grow that Brexit could reverse 70 years of European integration.