Brexit referendum results recorded Leave winning 51.9% of valid votes, while Remain received 48.1%, with a turnout of 72.2%. Cambridgeforeurope organizes total vote numbers, the margin between the two options, differences between regions of the United Kingdom, and how to interpret results according to geographical scale to avoid confusing national data with individual regional outcomes.
Brexit referendum results through national figures
Brexit referendum results reflect the referendum on whether the United Kingdom should leave the European Union through official voting data. The content focuses on voting percentages, participation levels, and ballot classification methods.

Leave achieved 51.9% and Remain achieved 48.1%
Brexit referendum results recorded the Leave campaign winning with 51.9% of valid votes, while Remain received 48.1%. The two options represented different directions regarding the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
The result was determined based on the total number of valid votes after all regions completed the counting process. Leave received 17,410,742 votes, while Remain received 16,141,241 votes, creating a difference of more than 1.2 million votes between the two sides.
National voter turnout reached 72.2%
In Brexit referendum results, turnout reached approximately 72.2% of registered voters. This figure was calculated based on the number of people who actually voted compared with the eligible voter register.
The referendum attracted significant public attention because the decision affected the United Kingdom’s position within the European Union. Turnout helped demonstrate the scale of public participation rather than only reflecting the result between the two options.
How valid and rejected ballots differ
When reading Brexit referendum results, valid ballots are those that met marking requirements and were included in the result calculation. Rejected ballots were not used to determine the Leave or Remain percentages.
The difference lies in counting standards. Valid ballots must clearly show the voter’s choice, while invalid ballots usually contain marking issues or do not allow the voter’s intention to be determined.
Differences in vote distribution across territories
Brexit referendum results showed clear differences between regions of the United Kingdom. Each territory had its own voting preference based on population characteristics, economic conditions, and political context.

England and Wales leaned towards Leave
In Brexit referendum results, England and Wales played important roles in Leave’s victory. Most areas in England, particularly outside London, showed stronger support for leaving the European Union.
Wales also recorded a result leaning towards Leave. These areas contributed a large number of votes due to their population size, influencing the overall national outcome.
Scotland and Northern Ireland leaned towards Remain
Brexit referendum results in Scotland and Northern Ireland showed a different trend, with majorities in both areas choosing Remain. These two regions had stronger support for maintaining a relationship with the European Union compared with many other areas.
Scotland recorded Remain majorities across all local areas. Northern Ireland also voted for Remain, with issues related to the Irish border and regional relationships becoming major topics in the debate.
London differed from the wider English trend
London created a distinct pattern in Brexit referendum results, with a majority of voters in the capital choosing Remain. The city is characterised as a financial and cultural centre with many international communities.
The London result reflected the difference between a major urban area and many other parts of England. It provided a clear example of how opinions were divided according to geographical location.
How Cambridgeforeurope examines referendum results
Cambridgeforeurope approaches Brexit referendum results by analysing data at different levels, from total vote numbers to local outcomes. This method helps explain how the final result was formed.

Compare vote numbers before reading percentages
Analysing Brexit referendum results begins with actual vote totals before considering percentage figures. The Leave and Remain percentages were calculated based on the total number of valid votes across the entire referendum.
Absolute vote numbers show the scale of support for each option. Meanwhile, percentages help compare the distribution between the two sides within the same data range.
Distinguish national results from local results
Brexit referendum results include both national summary data and detailed regional results. The national result determined the final decision, while local results showed differences between areas.
Each region announced its own vote totals before they were combined into the overall result. Therefore, an area with a high percentage does not necessarily have a major impact if its number of participating voters is lower than more populated regions.
Regional weighting depends on actual vote numbers
In Brexit referendum results, the influence of each region is reflected through the number of votes contributed to the overall outcome. Areas with more participating voters create a greater impact on the national result.
This distribution can be considered through several factors:
- The number of registered voters in each area.
- The number of people who actually participated in voting.
- Leave and Remain percentages in each territory.
- The contribution of each region to the total national vote.
Conclusion
Brexit referendum results reflect a closely contested national outcome with clear territorial divisions, with Leave ahead of Remain and high voter participation. Cambridgeforeurope helps readers compare vote numbers, percentages, margins, and regional differences within the same data framework. Use these criteria to interpret referendum results in the correct context and avoid making broad conclusions from local outcomes.

