Behind the Numbers: 7 days of utter chaos in the UK
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One week ago, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. The news cycle has since become an unprecedented, popcorn-worthy political drama – though perhaps less gripping for the Brits who have to live through it. Not content with picking just one number this week, we've summed up seven days of the worst pandemonium to ever hit contemporary British politics.
When it comes to the stats that define this week, we're spoilt for choice. Starting with the collective blood pressure level of Europe's political journalists. When you seriously start looking at what's actually happened in the UK, the numbers are astounding. We begin with an economy in ruins. Even if it'll no longer have to send money to Brussels, the country is now out of pocket by the equivalent of 24 years of EU contributions.
After a burst of Leavers' remorse (and Remainers' horror), over 4 million people have signed a petition calling for a second referendum. Scotland and Northern Ireland have both heard calls to secede, and nearly 180,000 Londoners have signed another petition calling for the capital to declare independence. All three areas voted remain.
As the Kingdom contemplates tearing itself apart, a strong Westminster presence completely fails to materialise. We could have gone with the five contenders for the Conservative leadership contest (minus former Brexit golden boy, Boris Johnson), all now in the running to be the next Prime Minister, following David Cameron's resignation. There's also the 172 Labour MPs who signed a vote of no confidence against the head of their party, Jeremy Corbyn – resolutely refusing to resign.
On top of all that, we young people can't even blame the old for completely screwing up our future. It seems only 36% of 18-24 year olds bothered voting at all. Quite frankly, I think I need a nice lie down...
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