Polls open in Britain’s historic European Union referendum

The referendum has exposed deep divisions over issues including sovereignty and national identity.

A woman reads a newspaper on the underground in London with a ‘vote remain’ advert for the BREXIT referendum, Britain June 22, 2016. (Source: Reuters)

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?”

Polls are open until 10 p.m. (2100GMT), with results due early Friday.

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The referendum has exposed deep divisions over issues including sovereignty and national identity.

“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.

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