EU referendum underway in Britain

2016-06-23 14:51

By (Xinhua)

A man puts up a sign at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in Heald Green, Stockport, Britain, June 23, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

British Prime Minister David Cameron delivered his final public speech on Wednesday in Birmingham, reaffirming that "we are stronger, we are better off, we are safer in a reformed European Union."

In an emotional speech he said, "our economy will be weaker if you leave and stronger if we stay. What that means is that on that ballot paper is British jobs, British families, the finance, the people in our country, the strength of our country. And that is why we will vote remain tomorrow."

Nearly 1,300 business leaders, including 51 of the FTSE 100, also signed a letter to The Times on Wednesday, backing Britain's membership in the EU. The letter said Brexit would damage the British economy and mean uncertainty for British firms, trade with Europe and jobs.

On the Leave side, in his final push on Wednesday, former London mayor Boris Johnson flew from London to northern England and made seven stops to encourage voters to vote leave and create an "Independent Day" on Thursday.

The Remain side has constantly warned about risks to the British economy and the threat to hundreds of thousands of jobs should a Brexit become reality.

Brexit embracers say the 50 million pounds a day Britain pays to Europe can instead be used to boost the British economy and support the cash strapped National Health Service. They also say the referendum is Britain' s last chance to control its borders in the wake of massive immigration from poorer EU member states.