British Prime Minister David Cameron will resign by the fall after his decision to call a referendum on Britain’s membership in the European Union backfired and the Brexit vote prevailed.
“I fought this campaign in the only way I know how, which is to say directly and passionately what I think and feel head, heart and soul. I held nothing back. I was absolutely clear about my belief, that Britain is stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union,” Cameron said. “The British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path… I think the country requires fresh leadership.”
Cameron called for the referendum to puncture growing support for the anti-EU UK Independence Party and placate the strongly eurosceptic right wing of the Conservatives. When he first promised the referendum back in 2013, Cameron said it would “settle this European question in British politics,” once and for all.
“I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months,” he said, “but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers the country to its next destination.”
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