>> British voters will shape the future of the UK and Europe on Thursday 23 June when they decide whether to stay in the European Union.
>> The ‘Vote Remain’ movement is led by PM David Cameron, who promised the referendum in 2013 under pressure from euroskeptic lawmakers in his own party.
>> The ‘Vote Leave’ movement is backed by ex-mayor of London Boris Johnson and UKIP leader Nigel Farage.
>> Investors, chief executives and central bankers are bracing for what could be one of the most volatile events for financial markets since, at least, the 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers.
>> The vote comes a week after the murder of British MP Jo Cox many voters wondering if the campaign rhetoric on both sides – warnings of economic disaster versus uncontrolled immigration – had gone too far.
>> An ‘out’ vote would leave the EU to weather the exit of its no. 2 economy, representing $2.9 trillion of its GDP, while Britain’s economy could stall.
>> An ‘in’ vote would trigger a rise in sterling and relief in Western capitals but would still leave Britain – and Cameron’s ruling Conservative Party – deeply divided.
>> Voting begins at 0600 GMT on June 23 and closes at 2100. Results are due around 0000-0500 GMT the next day.
(Reuters)
