Polls open in historic referendum

Polling stations across Devon have opened in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave.

The referendum ballot paper asks the following question: "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?"

Whichever side gets more than half of all votes cast is considered to have won.

A YouGov poll for The Times gave Remain a lead of 51 to 49. FTI Consulting gave Remain the edge by 51.4 per cent to 48.6 per cent once 'don't knows' are taken out.

Meanwhile, a survey for the Daily Mail and ITV News, gave the Remain camp a lead of six points, by 48 per cent to 42 per cent – but 11 per cent of electors said they were still undecided.

On a trip to Devon yesterday on the eve of the referendum, the chancellor, George Osborne, cautioned against voter apathy, warning people not to let "everyone else" determine their future.

During a visit to Axminster Carpets, Mr Osborne told reporters: "This a really crucial referendum... It's probably the most important moment when we will vote at any time in our lives.