One of the most significant milestones on the global political playground is drawing nearer and nearer. On June 23, the United Kingdom is to hold a referendum to determine whether the country should remain a part of the European Union. Should the British vote in favor of leaving the EU, this decision would have a profound impact on a worldwide scale. The effect would go beyond just Britain and the European Union. Brexit would inevitably transform both the economic and political landscape of the world. The latest nationwide poll results have added fuel to the fire. For example, a telephone survey conducted by Guardian, a reputable UK weekly broadsheet newspaper, showed that there were 53 percent supporters of the Leave camp, while 47 percent of respondents expressed their wish to remain in the euro bloc. Online polling by ICM painted a similar picture. Yet another Brexit survey held by ORB for The Independent revealed that 55 percent of British citizens favor leaving the European Union.
In fact, some two weeks ago opinion polls indicated that British voters in the Remain camp had a lead over Brexit campaigners. However, it appears that the closer the landmark referendum comes, the more doubt there is over the benefits of the UK’s EU membership. The recent shift in voters’ sentiment did not go unnoticed by the world’s largest Internet betting exchange BetFair, which always responds swiftly to current developments. As a result, the bookmaker slashed its betting odds, with the probability of a status-quo outcome falling to 70 percent from 78 percent earlier. Anyway, Britain will not leave the EU at the very moment the voting results are announced, even if Brexiteers win. The process of disintegration of the European Union would then take about seven years.
