Split over Brexit
UK celebrities share their views on today's European Union referendum
Britain votes on European Union (EU) membership today.
With the “Leave” and “Remain” camps locked in an epic battle, celebrities give their take on which way they are leaning.
Opinion polls showed that 51 per cent want to remain in the EU and 49 per cent wants to leave. More than 46 million people are eligible to vote, BBC reported.
LEAVE
Sir Michael Caine
The much-decorated star insisted that a major shift would have to happen for him to embrace remaining in the EU.
John Cleese
The Fawlty Towers star took to Twitter to voice his opinion, and is pro-Brexit.
He said: “If I thought there was any chance of major reform in the EU, I’d vote to stay in. But there isn’t. Sad.
“Give up the euro, introduce accountability.”
Elizabeth Hurley
She is joining “Brexit” for sure.
“If it means we can go back to usingdecent light bulbs and choose high-powered hairdryers and vacuum cleaners if we so wish, I’m joining Brexit for sure.”
Joan Collins
The Dynasty star made her choice clear.
She posted on Twitter pictures of Union Jacks and a thumbs-up, and wrote: “Brexit”
Julian Assange
In an interview with British TV channel ITV, the Wikileaks founder branded the EU undemocratic.
He said: “The UK is bad for the EU, but also the EU is bad for the UK.”
He said EU legislation permits a lack of democratic accountability.
REMAIN
Benedict Cumberbatch
The Sherlock Holmes star was among 250 celebrities who signed a letter calling for Britain to stay in the EU, The Mirror reported.
It read: “Britain is not just stronger in Europe, it is more imaginative and more creative, and our global creative success would be severely weakened by walking away.”
J. K. Rowling
The author of the Harry Potter series of books wants her fans to vote “Remain”, and compared campaigners to main antagonist Lord Voldemort in her plea.
She said: “The research demonstrates that we don’t know what we’ve got. Ignorant of what it gives us, we take the benefits for EU membership for granted.”
Simon Cowell
The music mogul said he is with the “Remain” camp, explaining that leaving EU would be like being isolated as an island.
He said: “My gut feeling is I don’t think at this time — because it is a tricky time — you would want to be on your own on a tiny island.”
Jeremy Clarkson and James May
The former Top Gear stars backed “Remain”, the International Business Times reported.
They argued that a vote to leave EU will have a detrimental impact on their new Amazon Prime show, The Grand Tour.
Said Clarkson: “Britain, on its own, has little influence on the world stage. I think we are all agreed on that.”
Idris Elba
The Hollywood star made his pro-EU views clear on Twitter.
The Luther actor posted: “My parents immigrated to the UK, worked hard and made a contribution... me... on that basis vote in.”
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