The United Kingdom held a referendum on EU membership yesterday. The result was resoundingly to leave. What does this mean?
The immediate impact is political upheaval in the UK. David Cameron, the Prime Minister, leader of the Conservative Party, and a proponent of remaining in the EU, has resigned. Jeremy Corbin is facing a challenge to his leadership of the Labour Party because of his lackluster participation in the campaign to remain in the EU. Scotland is threatening to hold another independence referendum because EU membership was a key argument against independence in the previous referendum.
Will it be a factor in the U.S. elections? Donald Trump, who arrived in Scotland today, praised the result and said it validates his positions on immigration. BREXIT, however, will not happen soon. The EU treaty establishes a two-year period for a member state to withdraw, which may be extended. Where these negotiations will lead is anyone’s guess?
