Britain has voted to leave the European Union, a historic decision sure to reshape the nation’s place in the world, rattle the Continent and rock political establishments throughout the West. The margin of victory startled even proponents of a British exit. The “Leave” campaign won by 52 percent to 48 percent. More than 17.4 million people voted in the referendum on Thursday to sever ties with the European Union, and about 16.1 million to remain in the bloc.

Despite opinion polls before the referendum that showed either side in a position to win, the outcome stunned much of Britain, Europe and the trans-Atlantic alliance, highlighting the power of anti-elite, populist and nationalist sentiment at a time of economic and cultural dislocation.

This will affect the way that certain things are done within the country, e.g. immigration policies that deal with UK Spouse Visa applications, as well as others, so it is essential for those who are waiting to hear to look into legal proceedings that can help with their case during this time.

It was also not clear that the United Kingdom could survive withdrawal from the European Union intact. There was immediate pressure for another referendum on independence from Britain for Scotland, which voted overwhelmingly to stay with Europe.

Prime Minister David Cameron is to step down by October after the UK voted to leave the European Union. Mr Cameron announced that he had informed the Queen of his decision to remain in place for the short term and to then hand over to a new prime minister by the time of the Conservative conference in October.

Britain’s exit will affect the British economy, immigration policy, and lots more. It will take years for the full consequences to become clear.