EU Referendum: LIVE updates as they happened plus all the fallout

Should Britain remain within the EU?Reuters

2.07pm - 

There will be plenty to digest in terms of the implications of last night's decision.

To begin with, I can recommend two excellent pieces. This from my colleague Andy Walton on "3 ways Christians should respond" is excellent.

And this by Andy Flannagan is thought provoking and challenging in light of the calls for unity: "'Coming together' is impossible if we never meet"

And from me there is some reporting on the details of the vote, on David Cameron's resignation, on the Archbishops of Canterbury and York calling for "unity, hope and generosity" and a wider piece on how Christian leaders responded.

We will be digesting this for weeks, months and possibly years. But in the meantime, that's it from me. 

1.55pm - 

Right everyone. That is all from me. Just to recap. 

The UK has voted to leave the European Union.

The Prime Minister has said he will resign by the time of the Conservative Party conference in October. 

The Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will face a leadership challenge on Monday.

The FTSE 100 dropped 8 per cent but has now recovered to be around 5 per cent down. 

Can you keep up?

1.49pm - 

The Conservative Christian Fellowship gave thanks for David Cameron's leadership in a statement hours after the Prime Minister announced he would resign by October. 

The statement offered prayers for wisdom in deciding a new leader and negotiating Britian's future. 

"We pray for our Government as they lead us forward in delivering the will of the people over the coming months," it read.

"Feelings will be hurt on both sides of this referendum debate. We pray that we can all work magnanimously and graciously towards a new relationship with Europe outside the EU.

"We pray that as a Nation and in our politics we can learn to disagree graciously and desire to seek the greater good for us all."

1.03pm -

The director of the Evangelical Alliance, Steve Clifford has said the UK must model "with generosity what a difference love and friendship can make".

In a statement after the referendum result Clifford said: "The UK is not united." He added: "This has to be a time to pray."

But he said he was confident "God is not fazed".

Clifford criticized the "cynical campaigning and honesty marginalised for political gain" and said our energies must now be directed towards "building bridges" between communities.

"Reconciliation requires honesty and hard work," he said. "It requires that we show respect and openness to those who we disagree with.

"We cannot ignore the differences that this vote has exposed, but we cannot let the differences define us. Our hands of friendship must do the work that voting cannot."

He finished by saying he was praying for David Cameron and the Conservative party, for all the UK's leaders and for those who are disappointed.

"I pray that we renew our commitment to work together for the good of all," he said.

12.18pm - 

Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the Labour party, is facing a no confidence motion. 

Two Labour MPs Ann Coffey and Margeret Hodge submitted the motion that calls for an urgent discussion within the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) at next Monday's meeting. 

It is now up to the PLP's chair, John Cryer MP, whether to accept the motion and allow a debate. If it is accepted a debate would be followed by a vote. It would need a simple majority of MPs to vote in favour for Corbyn's leadership to end. 

12.15pm -

The Bishop of the Church of England's Diocese in Europe, the Rt Revd Dr Robert Innes, has written for the Anglican Communion News Service with his thoughts.

He began by saying "the world is still turning" and that he had reassured other church leaders in Europe of the CoE's commitment to them.

He said he had "particular concerns" for the futures of Ireland and Scotland and said there was a need or "listening and healing" as the UK finds "a new future".

He pleaded with diplomats to listen to the "vulnerable" people who are living overseas, whether in Britain or on the continent.

He went on to say the "bruising" campaign had showed how many British people felt alienated from "mainstream London and Brussels-centric political discourse". Other Europeans shared their "discontents" he said as he called on EU leaders to reform the political structures in order for them to survive.

"The task of reconciliation is never done, and I want my children and grandchildren to enjoy the kind of European peace which my generation has known."

11.57am - 

Jonathon Reynolds, chair of Christians on the Left and a strong campaigner for Remain, has given his thoughts on his Facebook page.

He said remainers must be humble in defeat and everyone "now owes a duty to one another to come together to secure the best outcome for our future".

There has been an enormous generational divide, Reynolds said, but we must come together. He added: "It will not help anyone to continue the divisions of the campaign."

He said the "immediate priority" was to stabilise the economy and minimise instability.

He added it would be crucial when Article 50, the mechanism to begin leaving the EU, was invoked. But he said "there is no question" he would vote to invoke it when asked in Parliament.

He concluded: "I know from the many conversations I have had with people in our area during the campaign that this decision will cause both anger and elation. Both should be avoided.

"However any of us voted, we should remember we are all fortunate to have been born in one of the safest and most prosperous countries in the world. A new chapter in our history is beginning. There must be a place for everyone in it."

11.40am -

In a brief interlude from Church reaction, Nicola Sturgeon has said the possibility of a second referendum on Europe is on the table.

She said the Scottish people want to remain in the EU so taking it out is "democratically unacceptable".

She adds: "I'm proud of Scotland and how we voted yesterday. We said clearly we don't want to leave the European Union."

11.28am - 

The cross-party group Christians in Politics ran a campaign before the referendum called #DisagreeWell or #DisagreeWithTea. 

They have called for the church to lead the way in healing division. 

Here is their contribution this morning: 

11.20am -

Steve Chalke, baptist minister and founder of Oasis, also seemed in a defiant mood in the wake of the result. 

11.15am - 

The Bishop of Durham is yet another prominent bishop to have been outspoken in his support for the remain campaign. 

But unlike the Bishop of Guildford he adopted a reconcilatory tone after the vote.

This morning he tweeted this: 

11.10am - 

Others are more philosophical about Britain's choice of future. 

This is from Steve Timmis, executive director of the Acts 29 network. 

11.02am - 

The Bishop of Guildford meanwhile has not joined the calls for unity and healing. He is defiant and tweeted: 


He previously said that waking up to find Britain had voted to leave the European Union would be one of his "nightmare scenarios" along with a Donald Trump presidency. Well one down and no word of reconciliation from the vocal bishop. 

10.54am -

Bishop Angaelos, general bishop of the Coptic Church in the UK tweeted:

10.45am - 

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, has said Britain's new course will be "demanding on all".

Nichols is another church leader who made no effort to hide his support of the European Union before the vote. He previously said a Brexit vote would cause "complex problems" and added there was a tradition within Christianity of "holding things together".

In a statement Nichols prayed that Britain's new course would be worked out with "respect and civility" despite deep differences.

"We pray that in this process the most vulnerable will be supported and protected, especially those who are easy targets for unscrupulous employees and human traffickers.

"We pray that our nations will build on our finest traditions of generosity, of welcome for the stranger and shelter for the needy.

"We now must work hard to show ourselves to be good neighbours and resolute contributors in joint international efforts to tackle the critical problems our world today."

If you need reminding what Nichols said before the vote, here it is:

"There's a long tradition in Christianity and in Catholicism in particular of believing in holding things together.

"There's a strong tradition in the Catholic vision of life that to start down the path of division almost inevitably leads to further division... So the Catholic instinct is to look for the whole – that's exactly what the word means.

"And therefore the Catholic stance towards an effort such as the EU is largely supportive."

10.40am -

Right after that brief interlude I'm back to bring you all the reaction from church and other Christian leaders to the shock news that Britain has decided to leave the European Union. 

To recap: The Prime Minister has announced he will resign by October after he campaigned strongly to remain. You can read my story here

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have called for "unity, hope and generosity" in the wake of the vote. You can read my story here.

10.09am - 

I need a break. And I am sure you do too from this relentless stream of reaction. So while I go and make myself a coffee, check out this great exclusive from the wonderful Ruth Gledhill. 

She has interviewed the Archbishop of Canterbury who has told her the Church is "not on the way out" but has a great future.

He was speaking to Christian Today at the end of a three day visit to the diocese of Derby.

"I think we're recovering the confidence, and we have been for many years now," he said. 

Well isn't that a nice bit of relief from politics!

10.06am - 

Ah. Now that is ominous. Trump has hailed Brexit as a "great thing" as he touches down in Scotland. 

Marvellous.

9.40am - 

You can read the full statement from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York below. Both men backed the campaign to remain in the EU. 

"On Thursday, millions of people from across the United Kingdom voted in the Referendum, and a majority expressed a desire that Britain's future is to be outside the European Union

"The outcome of this referendum has been determined by the people of this country. It is now the responsibility of the Government, with the support of Parliament, to take full account of the outcome of the referendum, and, in the light of this, decide upon the next steps. This morning, the Prime Minister David Cameron has offered a framework for when this process might formally begin.

"The vote to withdraw from the European Union means that now we must all reimagine both what it means to be the United Kingdom in an interdependent world and what values and virtues should shape and guide our relationships with others.

"As citizens of the United Kingdom, whatever our views during the referendum campaign, we must now unite in a common task to build a generous and forward looking country, contributing to human flourishing around the world. We must remain hospitable and compassionate, builders of bridges and not barriers. Many of those living among us and alongside us as neighbours, friends and work colleagues come from overseas and some will feel a deep sense of insecurity. We must respond by offering reassurance, by cherishing our wonderfully diverse society, and by affirming the unique contribution of each and every one.

"The referendum campaign has been vigorous and at times has caused hurt to those on one side or the other. We must therefore act with humility and courage – being true to the principles that make the very best of our nation. Unity, hope and generosity will enable us to overcome the period of transition that will now happen, and to emerge confident and successful. The opportunities and challenges that face us as a nation and as global citizens are too significant for us to settle for less.

"As those who hope and trust in the living God, let us pray for all our leaders, especially for Prime Minister David Cameron in his remaining months in office. We also pray for leaders across Europe, and around the world, as they face this dramatic change. Let us pray especially that we may go forward to build a good United Kingdom that, though relating to the rest of Europe in a new way will play its part amongst the nations in the pursuit of the common good throughout the world."

9.34am - 

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the most senior clergy in the Anglican Church have released a statement in response to the referendum vote. 

Both Archbishops supported the campaign to remain in the EU. In a statement they said that whatever our views, "we must now unite in a common task to build a generous and forward looking country".

They added that many who come from overseas will feel "deep sense of insecurity" after the result and urged people to respond by "offering reassurance, by cherishing our wonderfully diverse society, and by affirming the unique contribution of each and every one".

The Archbishops called for prayer for David Cameron in his last months in office and for the nation as it goes forward. 

They said: "Unity, hope and generosity will enable us to overcome the period of transition that will now happen."

9.23am - 

Frank Field, Labour MP for Birkenhead and a Catholic, who was one of the few Labour MPs to campaign for Brexit has offered his thoughts. He said the result was a "revolt against globalisation and its undermining of working-class living standards". 

He continued: "The major task from now on is to reassure Europe that we want our negotiations to be successful for them, but also for Great Britain. To that end, the government needs to be reformed to reflect accurately the views in the Tory Party in Parliament and the country, and have a negotiating team that brings the country together.

"Above all, we now need to think carefully about what our next moves are in disengaging from Europe. The last thing we require is precipitative action that serves no one's interests."

9.15am - 

The mood is rather sombre after the Prime Minister's resignation. 

I think there is a gradual realisation the Conservatives have kicked out the man who won them the general election in such a convincing manner. 

You can read my story on his speech here

9.11am - 

Here is the key section of the Prime Minister's speech as he announced he would resign by October: 

"I was absolutely clear [in the referendum] about my belief that Britain is stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union. And I made clear the referendum was about this and this alone, not the future of any single politician, including myself.

"But the British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction.

"I will do everthing I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months. But I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.

"This is not a decision I have taken lightly. But I do believe it's in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required.

"There is no need for a precise timetable today. But in my view we should aim to have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative party conference in October."

8.37am - 

The Prime Minister has said he will resign by October in the wake of his defeat in the referendum on the European Union.

In a statement on Friday morning hours after the result was confirmed, David Cameron said the will of the British people would be respected. But he said he would not be the one to trigger Britain's exit.

"I think the country requires fresh leadership", he said, to take the country through the negotiation of Britain's extradition of the European Union.

Cameron said he would stay as Prime Minister for a few months for a "period of national stability" and would hope a new leader would be in place before the Conservative party conference in early October.

He congratulated the campaign to leave the EU and urged "those on the loosing side to help make it work".

 

8.28am -

More to follow....

8.03am -

Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to make a statement shortly, after a delay.

7.52am -

Tim Montgomerie, columnist for the Times and a Christian who has campaigned for Brexit, is not happy with Tim Farron's explosive interview on the BBC.  

7.50am - 

Nigel Farage, leader of UKIP has hailed the vote to leave as a "victory for ordinary people and for decent people". He joined many others in warning of a "massive disconnect between Westminster and real communities".

He told the BBC: "People here [in Westminster] don't understand. They are too wealthy. They don't get what open door mass immigration has done to people.

"I am thrilled we have done this."

He said June 23 should be become a national bank holiday and called independence day.

7.25am - 

The final results are in. 

33,577,342 votes were made. That is 72 per cent turnout. 

Remain took 16,141,241 votes (48.1 per cent).

Leave took 17,410,742 votes (51.9 per cent).

7.17am -

After Tim Farron's fiery outing on the BBC where he lambasted Jeremy Corbyn for his "spineless" campaign, here is the evangelical Christian's full statement:

7.10am -

Tim Farron, the leader of the Liberal Democrat party and an evangelical Christian has just spoken to the BBC and he is not in a good mood.

Actually that is an understatement. He is livid. There was no mincing of his words. Here is a summary:

He said he was "gutted and heartbroken". Britain had succumbed to this vision of Nigel Farage, he said, and it is not the Britain he wants to accept. He said he believed Britian was better than that.

"I accept the decision but boy I do not agree with it."

He blamed David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Harriet Harman and others for blaming the EU for Britain's problems over the last 20 years.

But Jeremy Corbyn received the brunt of Farron's rage.

"I accuse Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour leadership of being utterly spineless and not getting properly involved in this battle for Britain's soul. He described Corbyn's effort in the campaign to remain as an "abject failure".

He said there should not be another referendum on Scottish independence. He said the country was disunited and we did not need another vote to divide us.

 

6.55am - 

This decision does not just affect the UK. 

It could spell the end of the entire European project as other disenfranchised nations in the EU bloc will feel bolder in an attempt to leave.

German foreign minister Frank Walter Steinmeier has called the result "truly sobering". He said: "It looks like a sad day for Europe and the United Kingdom."

Manfred Weber, the chairman of the European People's Party said the vote "causes major damage to both sides".

Friday will be a busy day for European officials as they scramble to handle the fall out.

6.40am - 

Amid all the joy and disappointment, I'm afraid this is just the beginning folks. 

Every single Scottish council returned a remain vote and Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, has already called for a second referendum on Scottish independence.

Northern Ireland, which is likely to be on the UK's new border with the EU, also overwhelmingly voted for Remain.

This is from the BBC's Nick Robinson.

6.33am - 

Christians for Europe, the counter-part to Christians for Britain, has given their reflections:

"To our immense sadness, the UK will soon be walking away from the EU, it mustn't stop us from being good Europeans who will continue to work closely with the peoples of our continent who are our natural allies and friends. We must go on taking a global view of our place in the world and not draw in our horizons as if we were some insignificant offshore island. We must continue to work away at trying to create a more wholesome politics of respect and compassion both internationally and in our own country.

"That will involve the healing of the divisions that opened up during the Referendum campaign, and we are committed to this too in both word and action. And it goes without saying: we must now, more than ever, say our prayers.

"The Christian gospel of Jesus's death and resurrection makes us people of hope. We do not lose heart."

6.28am - 

6.24am - 

Adrian Hilton, chair of the pro-Brexit campaign group Christians for Britain alongside Giles Fraser, offers his reaction. 

He told Christian Today: "This is a glorious result for liberty, democracy and the sovereignty of the
people. This was always about how and by whom we are governed; not
immigration or GDP. It was about regaining control from aloof and
indifferent bureaucrats in Brussels, and being able to hold our own elected
politicians to account.

"Many Christians I know have longed, prayed and
worked for this day for decades. The people have sent a clear message to
those who hold and exercise power that we want to be governed in accordance
with our own traditions and mores; that we want to look to and trade with
the whole world, not be confined to a myopic political union on one
continent.

"Paddy Ashdown has tweeted, presumably in despair, "God help our
country". I have faith that He will, and that Church leaders, accepting this
result in all humility, will now move toward helping to heal the rifts in
society and reconcile the factions."

6.20am - 

The Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to make a statement shortly. 

He is unlikely to resign immediately but he will give an indication of what the next moves will be.

6.11am - 

Thanks Andy. Sterling job overnight. This is Harry Farley and I'll be taking you through all the fallout and reaction to the result of the EU referendum.

For those of you just waking up the shock news that Britain has voted to leave the European Union has been confirmed. You can read the full details here.

In the mean time, put the kettle on and keep clicking refresh for all the updates.

 

5.57am -

Here's a voice from the other side. Jonathan Bartley is a Christian running for co-leader of the Green Party:

5.49am -

Here's the response from campaign group Christians For Britain:

5.42am -

Lots of people waking up and taking to social media to express their opinions. It seems lots of people from both sides weren't expecting this result.

5.33am -

Still no word on when we might hear from the Prime Minister. A difficult position for him now - he staked his reputation on a Remain vote.

5.23am -

An increasing focus in the media coverage on the economic and political consequences of this vote - both immediate and longer term. We seem to have a major conversation to have as a country. Will the markets allow us the time to have that conversation?

5.17am -

Harry Farley (@HarryFarls) has got the kettle on and is limbering up to take over this live blog which will keep rolling for a while yet... He'll be covering as we hear the official announcement. No word yet as to exactly when that will be.

5.12am -

Much focus on how the markets are going to react. Surely we have to hear from Prime Minister David Cameron before the London Stock Exchange opens in the next few hours...

5.00am -

Many alarms will just have gone off. People are waking up to the news that the UK has left the EU. We'll be bringing you reaction throughout the day and the following weeks - especially from a Christian persepctive.

4.50am -

The pundits are now trying to explain the result. The analysis will take time (my own borough of London is yet to declare) but already the narratives are being prepared by either side of the debate, by the British political parties, by European leaders and others.

4.45am -

The official result will take some time, but it is clear now that the United Kingdom has voted to Leave the European Union.

4.39am -

The economic consequences of the vote are now being combed over. Both ITV and ther BBC are now calling the result for Leave. This is a huge development and much earlier than we expected a result to be clear.

4.30am -

It's hard to overstate how massive this shock is, politically. It is starting to be picked up by media around the world now and there is a sense that people both at home and abroad will be waking up to one of the biggest news stories of the decade or even the century. However, this isn't just about filling news reports. People's lives and our communities will be affected.

4.25am -

Leave campaigner Tim Montgomerie puts Birmingham in perspective:

4.22am -

Birmingham has voted LEAVE. This is a big, big result for Leave, make no mistake.

4.15am -

There seems to be disbelief among a large section of London political and media class. There have ben exceptions but most commentators though a slim win for Remain was what would happen.

4.08am -

UKIP leader Nigel Farage gives jubilant speech to supporters. Seems he thinks it's done and dusted.

3.58am -

Thoughts turning to what happens next. Over half of areas now declared. Can David Cameron carry on as PM. Who will negotiate Brexit with EU? Still a chance this could all be premature of course.

3.46am -

How are we all feeling?! I'm starting to flag a bit. Leave campaign ahead right now and we are heading in a direction that seems to show Leave staying ahead.

3.39am -

Unsurprisingly, Edinburgh votes to REMAIN.

3.32am -

Here's the latest according to Tory Christian chief Colin Bloom:

3.28am -

Chair of Christians on the Left says it's immigration that has trumped all other issues:

3.25am -

As turnout edges up to 71%, the Leave vote heads upwards to 51.1% of declared votes. Looks harder and harder for Remain to win.

3.19am -

Debate seems to be turning already to how Leave have won. There must be surprises yet to come, but the consunsus seems to be that there is little chance of a oath to victory for Remain.

3.12am -

The flury of results has slowed a little. So let's summarise where we are. So far, Leave is in the lead with 50.5% of the vote. Turnout is running at 70%.

3.05am -

Flurry of results coming in. It means LEAVE is back in the lead nationally but it is still nip and tuck. It all now depends of whether there are enough Remain votes in London and Scotland to put Remain over the line. (Of course there's then the question of addressing a deeply divided country, but that's for tomorrow...)

2.57am -

Liverpool Votes REMAIN as does Islington, which pushes remain back into the lead nationally, but only just.

2.50am -

Christian Conservative MP and Work & Pensions Minister Stephen Crabb tells BBC people didn't believe the government that the EU was good for the working class, post-industrial areas of the UK. Earlier he seemed in a more positive frame of mind:

2.43am -

It's gone suspiciously quiet from Christian politicians on Twitter. Are they in bed, preparing for a big day picjing over the results tomorrow? Are they in shock at what the result looks like?

2.35am -

Remain is nationally at 50.7% currently - but has just suffered its first defeat in London as Barking & Dagenham votes LEAVE.

2.32am -

Wandsworth in London also votes REMAIN by 75 per cent. This is larger than Remain was hoping for there. Although Leave are still in the driving seat it seems this offers hope to Remain.

2.28am -

Glasgow and Falkirk both vote REMAIN. Scotland heading for a large overall remain vote.

2.23am -

London begins to report back and Lambeth votes 79 per cent to REMAIN. This isn't over as Exeter and Oxford also vote Remain.

2.16am -

Reaction starting to happen worldwide:

 2.10am -

Here's the Chair of Christians on the Left and Remain campaigner:

2.07am -

Here's the state of play from Reuters:

2.00am -

The feeling on social media, TV coverage etc. seems to be breaking towards Leave. Still so many results to come in - including London. It's still up for grabs.

1.55am -

Former Dean of Durham and passionate Remain campaigner begins the analysis of results from the North East:

1.50am -

That Hartlepool result confirmed alongside LEAVE votes in Stockton, Merthyr and Basildon. Big wins for Leave in the past few minutes.

1.45am -

Unconfirmed reports that Leave is approaching 70 per cent in Hartlepool - a Labour heartland. This would be an ominous result for Remain.

1.42am -

Not going to comment on this, except to say Chris Bryant is a Christian and former Anglican priest:

1.40am -

President of Christians For Europe Sir Simon Hughes spent the day on the doorstep:

1.35am -

Meanwhile Cardinal Nichols' tweet was a bit less impartial. The head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales had this to say:

1.30am -

Here was what the Archbishop of Canterbury had to say today. He was on a visit to Derby Diocese...

1.25am -

Conservative Party strategist and Christian camapigner Colin Bloom reckons we all need to calm down:

1.20am -

Sounds like Christian Labour MP Stephen Timms has given the Remain camapign his best shot today:

1.13am -

Kettering votes LEAVE by 61 per cent - in line with predictions. (I once dislocated my shoulder while dancing an Irish jig in Kettering, but that's another story.)

1.10am -

So, how are you doing? Keeping the eyes open? Snack supplies looking strong? It's a marathon, not a sprint, remember. And given how close it looks like it may be the picture may not become clear for quite a while yet...

12.59am -

Worth pointing out we're still at the beginning of this. Only eight places decalred out of more than 300.

12.57am -

Swindon votes to LEAVE by 55 per cent to 45 per cent. Results starting to roll in now... (That result in line with predictions).

12.55am -

OK, let's have a catch up on where we are approaching 1am. Remain is winning on votes announced so far. But Leave supporters are becoming more and more confident after early results were better for them than expected.

12.49am -

First Northern Irish result comes in. Foyle votes REMAIN by 78 per cent.

12.43am -

Paul Vallely, the Pope's biographer and Manchester resident:

12.37am -

Catholic commentator Ed West warns Brexiteers not to get too excited yet:

12.30am -

An hour and a half ago it looked like it was going to be a close but fairly comfortable result in favour of Remain. Those results in Newcastle and Sunderland have put the cat amongst the pigeons. Can Leave translate success there to the rest of the country?

12.22am -

Christian journalist and Leave supporter Tim Stanley is in good heart after the Sunderland result:

12.19am -

This is a BIG one. The Sunderland result is in and LEAVE has won in some style there in the North East. Leave won with 61.3 per cent of the vote.

12.18am -

Clackmannanshire votes to REMAIN. Remain currently leads by 27, 256.

12.15am -

Christian broadcaster Jeremy Vine is enjoying himself during the coverage...

12.10am -

Leading Christian commentator and Brexit man Tim Montgomerie sounds ebullient:

12.05am -

Orkney votes to REMAIN by 63 per cent to 37 per cent. Results starting to appear thick and fast now... We're awaiting Sunderland.

12.02am -

Newcastle declares for REMAIN by 65,404 to 63, 598... We are in for a long night I think folks. That was worse than what Remain would have liked.

11.58pm -

The Leave Christian group in more campaigning form today:

11.56pm -

Pro Remain group struck a conciliatory tone in their tweet today:

11.50pm -

UKIP MP Douglas Carswell has just disowned Nigel Farage's posters featuring refugees that were criticised as racist.

11.42pm -

Gibraltar has spoken. So now our attention turns to the North East of England where Sunderland and Newcastle are vying to be the first areas to declare...

11.38pm -

And there it is, our first result. Gibraltar votes to REMAIN by 96%.

11.34pm -

So we're hearing that Gibraltar looks like it will be the first place to declare. Though it will e good to get the results rolling in, it's fair to say it won't tell us much - it's expected to be overwhelmingly for Remain.

11.29pm -

Portentous warning from leading Christian commentator and Brexit economist:

11.25pm -

So here's an interesting breakdown of votes by party from the Daily Telegraph's political man:

11.19pm -

Strong words from the Bishop of Leeds:

11.17pm

Here's Green campaigner Rachel Collinson's take:

11.13pm

It's been a frantic day of campaigning for many. Here's Christian Conservative MP and leading Leave advocate David Burrowes...

11.09pm -

The big question of the evening seems to be how we as a country are going to come back together. We have endured a very hostile campaign and whatever the result tonight, there will be probably over 40 per cent of people waking up with their side having lost. It's a huge task and will need the Prime Minister and other leading politicians to step up quickly. But they won't be able to do it alone...

11.03pm -

This referendum seems to have given us an entirely new lexicon. I just heard an experienced broadcaster describe one area as "potentially very Brexit-y".

10.59pm -

Christian Today has been bringing you voices from both sides during this campaign. It's well worth catching up with a couple of the arguments. Labour MP Mary Creagh wrote for us that Brexit was too big a risk. Meanwhile, commentator Gillan Scott told us why he was supporting Leave.

10.53pm -

As we wait for the first results to come in it's worth thinking about what the referendum has meant. It's been a long and at times very difficult camapign. Here Heather Tomlinson asks what good might have come from it.

10.45pm -

This is always an odd period after a big vote, when the polls have closed and the results are yet to come in. I think it might be time to put the kettle on. Who's for a brew?

10.40pm -

Looks like Baroness Brinton, Christian Liberal Democrat Peer, has had a busy day of campaigning if her Twitter is anything to go by...

10.35pm -

Obviously this is a very important vote for all our futures. But for those of us who are political nerds, it's also a fascinating event in its own right. I went for a little snooze at 6.30pm to try to ensure I had the stamina to get through... I've just eated a protein packed meal to help with the endurance!

10.30pm -

David Dimbleby just described one of London's most famous churches, which is next to the BBC - All Souls, Langham Place - as "All Saints". Best to stick with Christian Today for analysis! ;-)

10.25pm -

The BBC reports that the markets suggest that Remain has won on approximately 52 per cent of the vote. However, we all remember the way the pollsters got it wrong during the 2015 General Election so I'm not packing up and going to bed yet! We're being told the best guess we've got at a first result is at around 11.45pm (BST).

10.23pm -

Let's have a look and see what some of the other Christian politicians are saying...

The Chair of Christians on the Left is clearly barking (the jokes just get worse from here...)

10.17pm -

IDS unconvincing on whether the tone of the campaign has been too divisive. He quotes Churchill but it's quite clear there is a big, big job to be done to bring people back together after the last few months.

10.14pm -

Iain Duncan Smith - senior Leave campaigner - whose a committed Catholic - tells the BBC that he's just spoken to Labour Deputy Leader Tom Watson and neither of them are clear on what the outcome will be.

10.10pm -

Reports saying that Nigel Farage has conceded Remain will probably win. Sounds ominous for the Leave campaign if Farage has called it already.

10.05pm -

So much speculation throughout the day on how the weather might affect the result. It's finally stopped raining here in London although many people had a terrible day's commuting...


10.00pm -
Well, here it is. The moment we've been waiting for. Will the UK remain part of the EU? How close will the result be?
And will I have enough snacks to get through the evening? We're about to find out... I'm Andy Walton and I'll be here for as long as I can stay awake.