Britons Spurn EU as Leave Camp Gets Over 16,700,000 Votes in Referendum

The UK voted for the country’s exit from the EU with 51.9 percent supporting the move, the Electoral Commission said Friday. According to Jenny Watson, the chief counting officer for the EU referendum, 17.4 million UK nationals voted for Brexit against 16.1 million in favor of staying in the European Union, while the turnout was 72.2 percent.

Britons went to the polls on Thursday to decide on a referendum that will decide whether or not the United Kingdom should remain in the European Union.

The question that was asked is “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?” Voters had to tick a box either next to “Remain a member of the European Union,” or “Leave the European Union” option.

​Brexit supporters argued that EU membership has diminished the country’s independence to legislate, direct its economy and control its borders. Opponents warned that leaving the bloc could severely harm the UK economy.