EU referendum 2016 results recorded the Leave option winning a majority with 51.9%, while Remain received 48.1%, with an overall turnout of 72.2%. Cambridgeforeurope organizes vote numbers, valid vote percentages, differences between the two options, and distribution across regions of the United Kingdom, while also explaining how to read the data to avoid confusing national percentages with local results.
EU referendum 2016 results through key figures
EU referendum 2016 results represent the decision of UK voters on whether to leave or remain a member of the European Union. The main figures reflect voting percentages, participation levels, and the gap between the two sides.
Leave achieved 51.9% and Remain received 48.1%
EU referendum 2016 results recorded the Leave option winning with 51.9% of valid votes, while Remain received 48.1%. The result showed a relatively balanced division between the two groups of voters, with a narrow margin between them.
The referendum focused on two main choices: leaving the European Union or continuing membership. The percentage figures were calculated based on the total number of valid votes counted across the United Kingdom.
National turnout reached 72.2%
In EU referendum 2016 results, voter turnout reached approximately 72.2%, reflecting significant public interest in the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Turnout was calculated based on the number of people who voted compared with the total number of registered voters. This is an important factor when interpreting the results because it shows the scale of participation in the nationwide vote.
The vote difference was 1,269,501 ballots
The gap in EU referendum 2016 results between the two options was 1,269,501 votes, with Leave receiving more votes than Remain. This figure represents the actual difference between the two sides after all valid votes were counted.
| Category | Leave | Remain |
| Votes | 17,410,742 | 16,141,241 |
| Percentage | 51.9% | 48.1% |
| Result | Victory | Did not achieve majority |
Distribution of votes across regions of the United Kingdom
EU referendum 2016 results showed clear differences between regions of the United Kingdom. Each area reflected its own perspective based on local economic, social, and political characteristics.
England and Wales leaned towards Leave
In EU referendum 2016 results, England and Wales were the two areas with stronger support for Leave. In England, most areas outside London voted to leave the European Union, creating a major influence on the overall result.
Wales also recorded higher support for Leave than Remain. Regional differences reflected how voters assessed issues such as national sovereignty, local economies, and European policies.
Scotland and Northern Ireland leaned towards Remain
The EU referendum 2016 results in Scotland and Northern Ireland showed a different trend, with majorities in both areas choosing Remain. This was a notable feature in the overall vote distribution across the United Kingdom.
Scotland had stronger support for maintaining a relationship with the European Union compared with many other areas. Northern Ireland also showed preference for Remain due to factors related to geography and regional relationships.
London moved against the wider English trend
London was a distinctive area in the EU referendum 2016 results, with a majority of voters choosing Remain. The city has an international population, a developed service economy, and many connections with Europe.
London’s difference compared with many other areas of England demonstrated the diversity of voter perspectives. The result in this region is often viewed as an example of the divide between major urban centres and non-urban areas.
How Cambridgeforeurope reviews referendum data
Cambridgeforeurope examines EU referendum 2016 results by comparing voting figures, geographical scope, and calculation methods. Reading the data requires understanding each information group to accurately interpret the meaning of the referendum.
Compare vote numbers before reading percentages
When analysing EU referendum 2016 results, vote totals provide the initial foundation for determining percentage figures. Percentages only reflect the structure of choices after all valid votes have been combined.
Comparing vote numbers helps distinguish between absolute figures and relative percentages. A region with a high percentage does not necessarily have the largest number of votes if its voter population size is different.
Distinguish national results from local results
EU referendum 2016 results include two main levels of data: national results and regional results. The national result determined the overall decision, while local data showed differences between individual areas.
Counting units announced their individual results before these were combined into the final national outcome. Therefore, correctly identifying the data scope helps avoid confusion between local trends and the nationwide decision.
Checking valid and rejected ballots
During the compilation of EU referendum 2016 results, valid ballots were used to calculate the official outcome, while invalid ballots were handled according to counting regulations.
Commonly distinguished factors include:
- Ballots marked correctly and eligible to be counted.
- Ballots with marking errors or that did not meet counting requirements.
- Total votes cast compared with votes used for percentage calculations.
- Differences between registered voter data and actual voting data.
Conclusion
EU referendum 2016 results reflect a closely contested national outcome with clear territorial divisions, with Leave ahead of Remain and turnout reaching a high level. Cambridgeforeurope helps readers compare vote numbers, percentages, margins, and regional differences within the same data framework. Use these criteria to interpret referendum results more accurately and within the correct context.