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9 things the Brexit vote has already changed

Times are a changing

9 things the Brexit vote has already changed
24 June 2016

The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union. 

As polling stations across the nation began the process of counting and returning results, the UK's decision began to clarify with pace: while Scotland and London sided with the 'Remain' campaign, the 'Leave' vote had a majority across England, gaining its necessary majority before 6am. 

Here are ten things the vote has already changed.

The value of the pound has plummeted

Now that's a graph. 

Within hours of the result being called, the London stock market dropped more than eight per cent, with the  FTSE 100 index fall more than 500 points.

It's since stabilised, clawing pack some points (it was only down 274 points by 9:15am) following Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney's pledge to provide £250bn of funds to "calm the situation". 

The UK's economic standing slips

Reports suggest that the value of the UK's economy has already shrunk following the result, seeing it drop from the fifth largest in the world to sixth, below that of France. 

David Cameron announces resignation

David Cameron took to the steps of 10 Downing Street just before 9am to announce he would step down as Prime Minister before the Conservative Party conference in October.

Marine Le Pen calls for French referendum

Meanwhile in mainland Europe, various political figures took the UK's decision as moment to call for referendums in their own nation. 

France's National Front leader Marine Le Pen (pictured) declared that it was time for France to call an EU vote. Dutch politician Geert Wilders, known for his anti-immigration support, backed a similar 'Nexit' vote, while Italy's North League has moved for a referendum, reportedly saying: "Now it's our turn."

Bitcoin prices rise

The best place to have your money? In the virtual currency, bitcoin. 

Having fallen to a low value of $550 in recent weeks, the bitcoin value rose to $655.63 shortly after the results came in.

Nope, we haven't got any of them either. 

Martin McGuinness calls for united Ireland

Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein has called for a border poll on a united Ireland, stating that there's now "a democratic imperative" for such a vote to be carried out.

Scotland edges toward another independence vote

After Scotland voted strongly in favour of 'Remain', First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had this to say: 

"Scotland has delivered a strong, unequivocal vote to remain in the EU, and I welcome that endorsement of our European status.

"And while the overall result remains to be declared, the vote here makes clear that the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union."

She told the BBC: "We're quite clear, the Scottish Government will protect Scotland's interests whatever the circumstances and we intend to do that."

(Images: Rex)

Cornwall Council starts to sweat

Despite Cornwall voting 'Leave' by a majority of 56.5 per cent, Cornwall Council has issued the following statement over fears that it could be about to lose the equivalent of £60m in funding it currently receives from the EU:

"Now that we know the UK will be leaving the EU we will be taking urgent steps to ensure that the UK Government protects Cornwall’s position in any negotiations.

We will be insisting that Cornwall receives investment equal to that provided by the EU programme which has averaged £60M per year over the last ten years."

- John Pollar, Lead of Cornwall Council

Tourists are already feeling the impact

Reports are coming in from Greece that banks are unable to issue British or Scottish pounds as they're not able to get precise exchange rate figures from the central bank