Britain votes to leave European Union

In a historic referendum, Britain has voted to leave the European Union, the official results of the national poll showed Friday, beating many political pollsters' expectations that Britain was going to remain in the 28-member union.

The PM had urged the country to vote Remain but was defeated by 52% to 48% despite London, Scotland and Northern Ireland backing staying in.

In the close-fought referendum to decide whether the country should remain a member of the 28-nation bloc, the leave camp ended with 17,410,742 votes the Remain camp with 16,141,241 votes.

Analyst have described the result as a "Political Earthquake" and the decision to leave the union, Britain had  joined in 1973 raises a host of constitutional question, including the future of Scotland and Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom.

"The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected," said Mr. Cameron."The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered."

Prime Minister David Cameron is to step down by October following UK voted to leave as European member.