It has urged voters to ignore what it calls the “establishment” which it says has the most to lose from Brexit.
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Opinion polls have suggested that while big business is broadly in favour of staying in the European Union, small firms have been evenly split in what looks like a photo finish with one poll showing “Remain” at 45 per cent and “Leave” 44 per cent, with 11per cent undecided.
In the “Remain” camp, Prime Minister David Cameron said the United Kingdom will be stronger in the EU.
Traders, investors and companies are preparing for volatility on financial markets whatever the outcome of a vote that both reflects, and has fuelled, an anti-establishment mood also seen in the United States and elsewhere in Europe.
Counting will begin as soon as polls close.
French President Francois Hollande warned an exit would be “irreversible” while German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she wanted Britain to stay but that the decision was down to the British people.
The implied probability of a Remain vote was at 75%, according to Betfair odds, while the pound edged back to US$1.4681 after climbing to as high as US$1.4788 on Tuesday, its highest level since Jan 4.
Cameron’s main rival in the “Leave” campaign and possible successor, Boris Johnson, said Britain stood on the brink of “independence day” from Europe.
Signatories included chairmen and chief executives of more than 50 of the largest firms listed on the London Stock Exchange. The “remain” campaign led by Prime Minister David Cameron argues that Britain is safer and richer inside the 28-nation EU. If we leave the European Union, we really will be an “island” out there on our own.
It’s been months of debates, back and forth arguments between the Remain and Leave sides, and relentless campaigning from both camps – but now it’s all set to come to a head. “The other side will be banking on a swing back to them, but our supporters are more motivated and more willing to go out to vote”.
Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes – who outlined key areas to look out for when the results are declared – said that certain “bellwether” areas will give the picture better.
If you haven’t had a polling card but think you’re registered to vote, you’ll need to contact your local electoral registration office who will be able to let you know.
“Jo’s killing was political”, he said.
“What a attractive irony it is that an act created to advance hatred has in fact instead generated such an outpouring of love”, her husband Brendan Cox told the crowd. Suspect Thomas Mair, 52, has been charged with the murder of Ms. Cox, who was a member of the opposition Labour Party and a pro-EU campaigner.
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European Union leaders will open a two-day summit in Brussels on Tuesday to deal with the result and decide how to cope with the risk of similar referendums on the continent that could threaten the bloc’s integrity.
