UK vote to Leave EU after 43 years triggers sterling collapse

Latest: The FTSE 100 has fallen more than 7% within minutes as markets opened on Friday following Britain's decision to leave the European Union.

Update 8.10pm: The FTSE 100 has fallen more than 7% within minutes as markets opened on Friday following Britain's decision to leave the European Union.

Earlier: Britain has voted to leave the European Union in an historic referendum which has thrown Westminster politics into disarray and sent the pound tumbling on the world markets.