So how long before the UK is actually out?

[WhoTheFuckIsSimon]

Just wondering if it will take months or years really?

I can't get my head round what will happen now.

[Strawclutching]

Someone told me it takes 4 years.

[Ememem84]

I think straw is right. Cameron can invoke the notice period today. Then as far as I understand it parliament will break for summer. In September things will start happening. They have to negotiate trade agreements etc (which now they will have no negotiating power as the eu sets the rules. If we want to trade we'll have to abide by the rules pay higher costs etc).

[meditrina]

It's two years after the formal procedure is activated.

It doesn't have to be activated immediately, and a pause to take stock is of course the prudent thing to do.

And if other countries (which have been considering it to a greater or lesser extent) hold referenda with the same result, then all leaving at pretty much the same time might end up being the most pragmatic way of achieving the actual mechanisms.