On June 23, 2016, the UK held a nationwide vote to decide whether to remain in or leave the European Union (EU). The question posed to voters was simple: "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?" The Brexit referendum was the ＿＿（26）＿＿ of years of debate and division over the UK's relationship with the EU, touching on issues of national sovereignty, immigration, and economic policy. The campaign leading up to this referendum was ＿＿（27）＿＿ charged, with the "Leave" side resolutely arguing that leaving the EU would allow the UK to regain control over its laws, borders, and trade policies. The "Remain" side, on the contrary, forcefully asserted that leaving the EU would lead to economic uncertainty, damage trade relationships, and ＿＿（28）＿＿ the UK's influence on the global stage. The result of the referendum was a ＿＿（29）＿＿ victory for the "Leave" side, with 51.9% of voters choosing to leave the EU, compared to 48.1% who voted to remain. The ＿＿（30）＿＿ of the referendum sent shockwaves through the UK and Europe, leading to the prime minister's resignation and setting off years of complex negotiations between the UK and the EU on the terms of the withdrawal.