David Cameron said he would resign as Prime Minister by October. (Reuters Photo)
London:
British Prime Minister David Cameron announced on Friday that he will resign after Britons voted to leave the European Union despite his campaign to keep it in the bloc.
Cameron, who choked back tears, gave no detailed timetable but said there should be a new leader by the time his Conservative Party holds its annual conference in October.
"I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination," the British leader said outside his Downing Street residence in London.
He said his successor should trigger the formal process for Britain to leave the European Union.
"I think it's right that this new prime minister takes the decision about when to trigger Article 50," Cameron said.
"I would also reassure Brits living in European countries and European citizens living here that there will be no immediate changes in your circumstances," he said.
Flanked by his wife Samantha, Cameron said he had fought to retain Britain's membership of the EU "head, heart and soul -- I held nothing back".
But he added: "The British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path and as such, I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction."
Britons decided by 52 percent to 48 percent in favour of quitting the EU, a margin of more than one million votes, final results showed.
Cameron, who choked back tears, gave no detailed timetable but said there should be a new leader by the time his Conservative Party holds its annual conference in October.
"I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination," the British leader said outside his Downing Street residence in London.
He said his successor should trigger the formal process for Britain to leave the European Union.
"I think it's right that this new prime minister takes the decision about when to trigger Article 50," Cameron said.
"I would also reassure Brits living in European countries and European citizens living here that there will be no immediate changes in your circumstances," he said.
Flanked by his wife Samantha, Cameron said he had fought to retain Britain's membership of the EU "head, heart and soul -- I held nothing back".
But he added: "The British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path and as such, I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction."
Britons decided by 52 percent to 48 percent in favour of quitting the EU, a margin of more than one million votes, final results showed.
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