(VOVworld)- Despite the clear result of the referendum on Brexit on June 23, British politicians and public are not yet ready to leave the EU. The UK is experiencing one of the biggest political and social shake-ups in its history.

Protests against Brexit in London- Photo: Getty

A few days after the result of the referendum was announced 3 million people signed a petition on the website of the UK Parliament asking for a second referendum. Thousands of Britons participated in a demonstration called “Marching for the EU” to protest Brexit. Many people said the referendum on June 23 was not carried out on a “level playing field”. They wanted to prevent the government from activating Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to begin procedures of leaving the EU. Many demonstrators carried banners with slogans expressing their disappointment over the Brexit decision.

EU leaders are urging the UK to begin negotiations for leaving the EU. UK Prime Minister David Cameron, who wanted to stay in the EU, has announced he will resign in October and refuses to lead the Brexit negotiations saying it should be the job of his successor. Former London Mayor Boris Johnson, who led the Brexit campaign, was considered Cameron’s likely successor, suddenly announced he would not stand for the office of PM. This means both the initiator of the referendum and the principal supporter of Brexit are refusing to lead the UK in the Brexit process.

Other potential candidates to replace the Prime Minister want to delay Brexit until the end of 2016. On July 1, State Justice Secretary Michael Gove, who supported Brexit, said he didn’t expect to activate Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty in 2016. His rival, Theresa May, who supported the UK staying in the EU, said negotiations on Article 50 should not begin until the end of 2016.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair called for the UK to leave its options open  concerning its departure from the EU. Speaking on Sky News, Mr. Blair said the Brexit referendum showed the Britons’ wish on June 23 but said they have the right to change their wish. He said such a change is necessary if the public and British businesses are worried about the effects of Brexit.

Meanwhile, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Scotland will stay in the EU despite the Brexit referendum. The past two weeks have made Brexit supporters reconsider leaving the EU, fearful of a collapse of the UK.