In line with the national result, the people of South Gloucestershire people backed Brexit, while B&NES and Bristol residents voted to remain in the EU.
Nationally, with a turnout of just over 72%, 48% voted to Remain, 52% to leave, prompting this morning’s resignation of the Prime Minister.
In South Glos 76.2% of the electorate turned out to vote with 83,405 choosing Leave and 74,928 Remain.
In Bath & North East Somerset 60,878 voted Remain and 44,352 voted to leave. The turnout was 77.1%.
Bristol decided by a big majority that Britain should stay in the EU. 141,027 (62%) voted Remain and 87,418 (32%) voted Leave. The turnout was 73.2%.
Kingswood’s Conservative MP Chris Skidmore, who voted to Remain, said today: “The people have spoken. Democracy in action. Now let’s make sure we take positive steps to unite and go forward as Great Britain together.”
North East Somerset MP and Leave campaigner Jacob Rees-Mogg said it was a vote against the establishment.
And Jack Lopresti, Tory MP for Filton & Bradley Stoke, which includes the wards of Downend and Staple Hill, said it had been very important to him that the British people had been given their say and called David Cameron a “hero” for promising and delivering the referendum.
“We are a free and independent country again,” he added.
The Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said: “I am proud Bristol voted to remain. It says a lot about where we are as a city and our culture. It showed confidence in the strength of our society and our economy, the foundations of our position as global city. The challenge presented by Leave will not stop us from pursing our aspirations for the city – to be a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable city in which no one is left behind.
“It’s important we understand the meaning of the Brexit vote. It was a call for change. The attractiveness of the Brexit call was a judgment on how we have done economic development and managed our public services as a country. Too many people have been left out of the so-called economic recovery. And they have suffered from a failure to protect and invest in our public services.”
He added: “Our reputation as one of Europe’s leading innovative, creative and sustainable cities makes Bristol a valuable asset for partners around the world. I will ensure we secure and develop our international reputation as a city that is open for business and can attract global investment and opportunities for our citizens and businesses. We will keep Bristol moving forward together.”
Cllr Matthew Riddle, leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “The people have spoken and their verdict is to leave the European Union. As democratically elected representatives for the people of South Gloucestershire, we are bound to honour and respect that decision. We now need to come to together, reconcile our differences and work to make this decision work for all of us. I am always optimistic that our best and brightest days are still ahead of us.”
Cllr Ruth Davis, Liberal Democrat leader on South Glos Council, said the withdrawal would have “far-reaching effects” on communities across the district.
She said: “South Gloucestershire, like the country as a whole, has voted narrowly to leave the European Union. We campaigned against that, but accept the democratic decision of the people.
“We host European-wide industries, like Airbus, our students go on Erasmus exchanges across Europe, and UWE collaborates with universities across the EU, gaining over £150m since 2009. Every household buys goods imported from Europe.
“We must now work to protect our residents from the fallout. It’s important that the new settlement we get doesn’t disadvantage us, and we keep as many jobs, and as much investment as possible. Now is the time to work together to recover from a divisive campaign, and rebuild our society as a liberal, tolerant Britain.”
