Guildford Votes Remain While the UK Votes to Leave the EU

Published on: 24 Jun, 2016
Updated on: 2 Sep, 2019

As the UK voted to Leave the EU, Guildford voted to Remain along with the majority of Surrey voting areas. Only Surrey Heath and Reigate voted Leave.

In one of the last referendum results to be declared, the Guildford result was announced just before 6am (Friday June 24), at the Spectrum Leisure Centre, where the count was held. 44,155 (56.17%) voted Remain and 34,458 (43.83%) voted to Leave.

A total of 78,613 people voted, representing 73.97% of the 106,278 electorate.

The count underway at Spectrum Leisure Centre in the early hours of June 24th.

As the count was underway last night, Guildford’s MP, Anne Milton, revealed to The Dragon that she had voted Remain. She left the count early saying that today she will be busy today (Jun 24) in her role as deputy chief whip trying to heal the rifts in the Conservative party.

The Guildford Dragon has sought reactions from a range of local politicians and campaigners. Their comments will be added as they are received.

Cllr Christian Holliday

Christian Holliday, a Conservative borough councillor who campaigned for the Leave campaign, said: “Britain has spoken. We are leaving the European Union. This is the most important day in the country’s history since 8th May 1945.

“The Federalist dream to incorporate the UK into a superstate is dead. Those politicians, particularly Conservatives, who ran their own country down to serve that twisted dream should now consider their positions. I look forward to welcoming other EU countries back into the free world in the coming years.

“The future now belongs to all of us. Let’s make it a good one.”

Cllr Nils Christiansen

Nils Christiansen, another Conservative borough councillor, who wrote opinion pieces in The Guildford Dragon in favour of Remain, said: “The people have spoken, and have decided to take an enormous gamble with the future of our country.

“We have jumped out of the airplane without a parachute. There is no plan for what happens next, but the best guess of ‘the experts’ is that the results will not be good.

“Don’t be fooled: just because the air outside the plane feels fresh and the view is impressive doesn’t mean that everything will work out fine. I fear for the future.”

George Dokimakis of the Guildford Labour Party said: “The people have decided that Britain’s future lies outside the European Union and this must be respected. We must put all of our efforts now in protecting the basic human and working rights safeguarded previously by the EU are not left behind.

“The waters are uncharted and I hope the future shows this was indeed the right decision. We need to leave behind the isolationist and xenophobic tendencies that appeared during the referendum campaign and ensure Britain remains an international leader.”

Hon Alderman Bernard Parke said: “After two hundred years we have won another Waterloo. Another victory against European domination.”

John Armstrong of Guildford Ukip, said: “What blessed dawn. For those who would do business, the world is now yours. Go trade.”

David Pillinger, Remain campaigner, said: “A sad day when misinformation swung the vote.”

Harry Aldridge

Harry Aldridge a former Ukip parliamentary candidate for Guildford, said: “It is clear from the result that we are a divided country, and it is incumbent upon the Leave campaign to allay fears and concerns of those who voted to Remain and present a vision and direction for our relationship with the EU and the world.

“The EU is increasingly focused around the Euro and Schengen area, and is no longer in the UK’s interest. Voters have chosen to chart a new path, but as friends and allies rather than members.”

Cllr Paul Spooner

Paul Spooner, Conservative leader of Guildford Borough Council, said: “I am very pleased that locally we supported Remain but we have to respect the national decision for Brexit.

“This will have significant implications for the UK and I will do all I can to support transition to a life on the outside.

I truly hope that the reward is worth the risk.”

Cllr Susan Parker

Susan Parker, leader of the Guildford Greenbelt Group, giving her personal view, said: “This is an utter disaster for the UK. Economically, environmentally, and socially.

Our stock markets and the pound are in free fall. All environmental safeguards provided by the EU, air quality, for instance are now threatened.

As a nation, and as a community, we need to pause and take stock of the consequences. It is a very sad day.

Cllr Angela Gunning

Angela Gunning, leader of the Labour group at GBC said: “I’m very very sad about the result nationally, but pleased that Guildford voted ‘Remain’.

We had an efficient cross-party unified campaign for ‘Remain’; but what next?

What are the implications – now and long-term. Fear-mongering rhetoric is no substitute for a carefully considered withdrawal strategy. I am disappointed – being part of Europe was something I was proud of and valued.”

Cllr Caroline Reeves

Caroline Reeves, leader of the Lib Dem group at GBC said: “We are obviously deeply disappointed by the national result and the coming days and weeks will be days of great uncertainty; we can only wait to see what unfolds.

“While it couldn’t impact the ultimate result, Guildford’s 56% in favour of remaining in Europe is testament to the internationally-minded nature of our community. We hope that it will speak loudly to those from overseas who are living and working locally that they are welcome here.”

Hon Alderman Gordon Bridger

Hon Alderman Gordon Bridger said: “For too long, both in Britain and Europe, the benefits of migration have benefited big companies and the wealthy and have blinded many to the fact that the scale of migration has meant that those lower down the income scale have borne the brunt in terms of wage competition, housing, education and health.

“Control of immigration is not racist, as some have claimed. Britain is one of the least racist countries in the world – but control is essential if we are to avoid social strife and be fair to our own less well off population.

“There will be short term losses and gains with a lower value pound but in the end we will thrive.”

The Guildford Brexit team celebrating the national result.

Responses to Guildford Votes Remain While the UK Votes to Leave the EU

Stuart Barnes Reply

June 24, 2016 at 7:36 am

Don’t worry that Guildford apparently voted the wrong way – as a great lady once said – just rejoice, rejoice, rejoice.
Jim Allen Reply

June 24, 2016 at 8:54 am

Now is the time to re-assess our Local Plan as the whole country is changing track.

No matter how individuals voted, we must look to the SHMA locally as it reflected a presumptive Remain vote in its calculations and must therefore be re-visited (with or without) the secrecy element to remove the excessive migration numbers, then perhaps our green belt can be saved and our strained infrastructure can be improved and those undesirables can be removed from our shores.

It won’t be disastrous, the cabin pressure in the aircraft has not dropped, the pound in our pocket will remain the pound. Lets be proud to be British and stop running down our ability to survive. There is nothing better than a Brit with a hill to climb, he’ll roll over the top in style and with pride.
David Pillinger Reply

June 24, 2016 at 10:09 am

A sad day when misinformation swung the vote.
- Stuart Barnes Reply
  
  June 24, 2016 at 3:15 pm
  
  Unbelievable! Some people never learn.
- D Fassom Reply
  
  June 28, 2016 at 1:32 pm
  
  I agree, Remain said our markets would crash, WW3 would be just around the corner and yet the FTSE is the best performing bourses in the world over the last few days since the initial market adjustment on Friday morning. Sterling has risen against most currencies today and is only really down now against the dollar(not ideal I accept).
  
  Wicked lies were sown by out of touch politicos on the Remain side. This really frightened the young (many who used to trust politicians) which was very wrong. Those that had little ability to think for themselves bought “Project Fear” hook line and sinker.
  
  Thankfully, the older more experienced people in the UK could see though the Remain lies whose predictions are evaporating before our eyes. Please Remainers, get over it, stop being such bad losers and push for a more global outlook for the future.
John Perkins Reply

June 24, 2016 at 11:03 am

I don’t wish to give any credence to the analogy “We have jumped out of the airplane without a parachute”, but, even if it were apposite, jumping is not necessarily the wrong thing to do.

A short period of freedom with slim chance of survival or a quick end is preferable to imprisonment in a burning craft that is plunging to earth anyway.

In WWI the crews of Zeppelins did not have parachutes and when they were shot down that is exactly the choice they faced. Kapitanleutnant Heinrich Mathy chose to jump and was killed. In WWII Flight Sergeant Nicholas Alkemade made the same choice and survived.
- Hilary Minor Reply
  
  June 28, 2016 at 11:02 am
  
  Good gracious! What a philosophy of disaster is this? What this comment is effectively saying is that we are going to die anyway so let’s go out behaving like idiots.
  
  I simply refuse to subscribe to this sort of negativity particularly when we all know the benefits that accrued to the UK through EU membership and were warned, again and again, of what the likely consequences would be if we pulled the plug on our membership.
  
  All this war imagery is petrifying, especially in the light of all the anti-immigrant violence that has erupted over the country. Economic stagnation and a feeling of defeat was what launched Hitler, the rise of Nazi Germany and the ghastly pogroms against Jews. Are we really inviting all that back again?
  - John Perkins Reply
    
    June 28, 2016 at 1:48 pm
    
    It wasn’t me who invoked the image of disaster, I was merely responding to Cllr Christiansen. And the pogroms happened in Russia long before most of the Nazis were born.
Claire Dee Reply

June 24, 2016 at 11:21 am

I think we all anticipated the results would be tight, but perhaps not this close, and not leaning in the exit direction? Either way, Surrey businesses are resilient and it will be business as usual.
Jules Cranwell Reply

June 24, 2016 at 3:31 pm

According to Christian Holiday “Those politicians, particularly Conservatives, who ran their own country down to serve that twisted dream should now consider their positions.”

Presumably he includes his boss, Paul Spooner, who was amongst those who served the “twisted dream”. Presumably he should stand down.
David Pillinger Reply

June 24, 2016 at 4:58 pm

Christian Holiday does seem somewhat unprofessional in what he says.
- Jim Allen Reply
  
  June 25, 2016 at 12:07 am
  
  Such bitterness. Christian Holliday is the consummate professional and is is quite right – the number of inners who claimed Britain ‘was finished’ without the EU were a disgrace to their nationality.
  - Hilary Minor Reply
    
    July 3, 2016 at 11:08 am
    
    If Remain voters who claimed that Great Britain was “finished” meant that we are no longer a colonial power, that Britannia no longer “rules the waves” (We’ve no shipbuilding industry to speak of and scarcely got a navy left, have we?) they were right.
    
    The world moves on and harking back to some distant past of colonial glory is just absurd. When I heard Nigel Farage talking about “reigniting the commonwealth” I felt physically sick! What sort of sad, cloud cuckoo land does that man live in?
    - John Perkins Reply
      
      July 19, 2016 at 9:48 am
      
      Hilary Minor confuses the British Empire with the Commonwealth. The former has not existed in any meaningful way for a long time and is mourned by few; while the latter still exists as a voluntary federation of sovereign states and the UK is only 1 of its 53 equal members.
      
      It is quite unbelievable that anyone could find the work of the Commonwealth makes them “physically sick”.
Keith Childs Reply

June 24, 2016 at 5:18 pm

The turkeys have voted for Christmas.
Mike Murphy Reply

June 24, 2016 at 8:42 pm

As already stated, Cllrs Spooner’s and Furniss’ plans must be reconsidered.
With the UK able to control unlimited immigration from the EU their dreadful plan which forecasts many migrants in Guildford is now completely outdated and, according to Sir Paul Beresford MP, unfit for purpose and against government policy.
Neville Bryan Reply

June 24, 2016 at 9:19 pm

I have stayed quiet on Brexit.

Partly because I had not really made my mind up, and partly because of two of the most nasty and unpleasant campaigns I have ever had the misfortune to see from my countrymen.

From the bullying and dictatorial style of project fear led by Cameron/Osbourne, to the immoderate language on immigration of the leave campaign led by Gove/Johnson, and Farage, neither campaigns enhanced our country or our reputation. I do not know about others but both leave me deeply ashamed, and that has nothing to do with the outcome.

The weak Corbyn, and the invisible Fallon have not enhanced themselves either.

To hear Farage this morning saying all good British have done the right thing (directly impling all those who voted Remain have not), is still emphasising the decisive nature of this campaign. This is not the time for vitriolic speeches.

One thing I am sure of is that the political elite both here and in Europe, have just got the shock of their lives. They have not been listening. They have not been persuading. Too late for their beliefs and for the UK within the EU.

I am left with overriding feeling that I really do not want any of these divisive people representing me, even if that means a little more turmoil. Cameron has done the right thing. We need many more “leaders” replaced. Britain now badly needs a strong inclusive leader, of whatever political colour, to reunite our country and stabilise this mess.
- David Wragg Reply
  
  June 25, 2016 at 12:02 pm
  
  Sadly, leadership is something that this country is lacking at present.
Susan Parker Reply

June 25, 2016 at 7:54 pm

There is a new petition, launched on Friday, on the Government website. The link is here:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/131215

Currently it has a total of 2,146,938 signatures. The number who have signed is larger than the majority in the Referendum, by almost 1 million.

This is not just a feeble protest. It is the largest Government petition ever, by a significant margin. The petition includes signatures by senior financiers, academics and other eminent people who have publicised it.

The majority for leaving the EU was 1,269,501. Note that this result was after the reported loss of a significant number of postal votes from expats abroad (I understand there are more than two million of these) most of whom could be expected to have voted to Remain.

I am happy to say I have signed the petition.

You might like to consider doing so too if you voted Remain and are disappointed with the result.

Or if you think the postal voters whose votes went missing deserved the chance to have their voice heard.

Or if you voted Leave, on the basis of the promises to spend £350 million/week on the NHS (a withdrawn promise), to restrict immigration (now withdrawn) or the numerous other commitments made by the Leave campaign which have now been withdrawn.

Or if you were shocked that the pound fell on Friday – the single greatest currency fall ever – and that the credit rating of the UK has been devalued to “negative” by international credit rating agencies.

Or if you are afraid that this will mean that everything we import will now be more expensive (as a consequence of a lower pound).

Or if you are appalled by the consequences for the break up of the United Kingdom, which are likely to follow Brexit (with Scotland having already started negotiations to remain in the EU after Independence and a referendum to leave the UK).

Maybe – if there is another referendum – we could have a grown up debate on the basis of the actual proposals being put forward rather than just spin and lies.

I know that 6213 people from Guildford borough and 5045 from Mole Valley have already signed this too.

Please note petition stats were correct at the time of writing but have changed since. Ed
Michael Bruton Reply

June 25, 2016 at 11:10 pm

We have had a Referendum. There was a case to Remain and a case to Leave. The result was clear and in favour of Leave.

The UK now needs to disentangle itself – either from the ‘Eurodream’ or the ‘Euronightmare’ – depending on one’s views.

All divorces are messy and no one on either side of the argument knows how things will pan out. Remainers believe in some kind of Armageddon and Leavers believe in sunny times ahead.

I would suggest that Remainers get over it and let’s move on. The one truth that has come out of all this again is that all prime ministers are eventually forced out of power and that all their political careers end in tears.
Trevor Harris Reply

June 26, 2016 at 5:23 pm

Democracy relies on people accepting the result of a vote. It seems to me that anyone demanding another referendum is being undemocratic.
- Michael Haliburton Reply
  
  June 27, 2016 at 7:57 am
  
  Perhaps not when the basis of many peoples decisions were based on lies (as has already been admitted) – the claims of Boris Johnson & co were intended to deceive, that’s fraud. Being unaccepting of fraud is not undemocratic.
  - D Fassom Reply
    
    June 28, 2016 at 1:41 pm
    
    Does Michael Haliburton really think the ‘lies’ were only on one side and that 99.5% of all voters could not see through all of this. There were clear lies and scaremongering on both sides. It is not democratic to try and grasp at straws that somehow only the Leavers voted Leave because of ‘lies’.
    
    The establishment collectively tried to scare the electorate to death and dangerously undermined our economy with their statements.
    
    Luckily most of these have been retracted and our FTSE is now one of the best performers today. No-one on the Leave side said it would be easy but the people of the UK still voted for a more global, outward looking vision and I for one, applaud them.
David Smith Reply

June 28, 2016 at 2:16 pm

Does Christian Holliday think that Britain has spoken? It’s 50:50 really – hardly a clear picture at all and let’s have another look at those who voted Leave. Many, I presume, are now regretting their decision.
- D Fassom Reply
  
  June 28, 2016 at 4:06 pm
  
  It’s not 50:50 really, it was actually 52:48 (rounded). Every English region except London voted to Leave (53.4:46.6) a large margin.
  
  If you exclude London, the margins were between 16-19% to Leave. Even if a few voters switched sides it would make little difference.
  
  I have talked to several Remain voters who are friends and they have already said that Leave is not the end of the world and the whingeing has to stop.
- Jim Allen Reply
  
  June 28, 2016 at 6:01 pm
  
  If the result was 48.1% Leave and 51.9% Remain would there still be claims it was 50-50 or demands for a repeat referendum?
  
  I doubt it. A difference of 1,269,501 million votes is a not inconsiderable.
  
  Like many other voters I’m a thinking person with a brain of my own, little swayed by newspapers and TV programmes. As for politicians, they are the very last people who I believe or take notice of.
  
  Everyone should settle down, respect democracy and stop insulting friends and neighbours because they do not agree with a particular line of thinking.
BrianHolt Reply

June 28, 2016 at 6:41 pm

David Cameron has said there can only be one referendum which has been held. So why are people calling for another referendum?

Who is going to change their vote, and how many people would even bother to vote again. Remain lost and have to accept the result as final.
Bernard Parke Reply

July 3, 2016 at 11:20 am

What would have been the result if the Scottish contribution was removed from the figure? The margin in favour of Leave would have been greater.

I feel the SNP reaction to the result is just a ploy to keep their own wish for a further referendum on Scottish independence in the frame.
- John Perkins Reply
  
  July 3, 2016 at 4:36 pm
  
  Alba recently transmitted a programme which showed a delegation of three SNP members going to Brussels in 1970 to protest strongly against Scotland being “dragged into the Common Market”.