Brexit or Bremain: UK goes to polls in EU referendum

Media and members of the public take pictures as British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha arrive to cast their votes in the EU referendum at a polling station in London

London - Polls are open until 10pm (2100GMT), with results due early on Friday.

By Agencies

Published: Thu 23 Jun 2016, 10:07 AM

Last updated: Fri 24 Jun 2016, 8:25 AM

Polls have opened in Britain for a referendum on whether the country should quit the European Union bloc it joined 43 years ago.
More than 46 million people are registered to vote in Thursday's plebiscite, which asks: "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?"
All you need to know about Britain's EU referendum
Polls are open until 10 p.m. (2100GMT), with results due early Friday.

The Latest on Britain's referendum on whether to leave the European Union:

Voters in London face torrential rain
Voters in parts of Britain are facing floods and torrential downpours as they cast their ballots in a referendum on whether or not to remain in the European Union.
The capital, London, is expecting a month's rainfall in a few hours Thursday. Overnight thunderstorms flooded some streets, homes and businesses. Commuters also suffered disruptions.

London's Fire Brigade says it received hundreds of calls related to the weather, including reports of lightning strikes and rising water that trapped vehicles.
The Environment Agency has issued four flood warnings and 22 flood alerts across the southeastern part of the country.
Sunny weather is predicted for much of the rest of the country.
Pollsters say turnout will be a critical factor in the vote. A large turnout will favor the "remain" campaign as those who waver at the end tend to go for the status quo.

Cameron votes in British EU referendum
Prime Minister David Cameron has cast his ballot in the referendum on whether or not Britain will remain in the European Union.
The Conservative leader had headed the campaign to have Britain stay in the 28-nation bloc.
The leader of the opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, also cast his ballot in the referendum, which is considered historic because it will have an impact on generations to come.

Australian leader urges Britain to stay in EU
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says there will be a big impact on the global economy if Britain votes to leave the European Union.
"It would be a very big shock, there is no doubt about that. ... There will be obviously be great efforts to ensure that the consequences of that shock are minimized," Turnbull told reporters.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told reporters it is in Australia's "national interest for a strong Britain, an indispensable friend and ally of ours, to remain within the European Union."

The referendum has exposed deep divisions over issues including sovereignty and national identity.
After Brexit? Roadmap for a leap in the dark
"Leave" campaigners claim that only a British exit can restore power to Parliament and control immigration. The "remain" campaign led by Prime Minister David Cameron argues that Britain is safer and richer inside the 28-nation EU.
Financial markets have been volatile ahead of the vote, as opinion polls suggested a tight race.