Brexit: Counting underway; reports of 'Remain' could win see pound surge

London, June 24: Counting of votes in the historic referendum in the UK to stay or leave the European Union was underway after polling stopped around 10 pm BST [2.30 am IST]. The results could be known on Friday (June 24) morning. [What is Brexit and why is it important?]

Reports said the Remain camp could be headed to a victory in the referendum and they have sent the British pound surging over one per cent to $1.50.

Meanwhile, several Conservative MPs who wanted the UK to leave the EU have signed a letter backing Prime Minister David Cameron to continue in office irrespective of the results in the referendum.

Pound jumps above .50 for first time this year on speculation U.K. will stay in EU https://t.co/GR0E3KzyXY #Brexit pic.twitter.com/xuwXFFbqCR

— Bloomberg TV (@BloombergTV) June 23, 2016

84 MPs back Cameron to continue as PM

The letter, which was signed by 84 MPs, said: "whatever the British people, decide you have both a mandate and a duty to continue leading the nation implementing our policies."

More than 60 Tory lawmakers who supported Brexit, however, did not sign the letter.

The Conservative Party is deeply divided over the referendum.

According to many observers, Cameron would have to resign if the UK leaves the EU, the 28-member body.

Oneindia News