The Latest: Hungary’s foreign minister backs Britain to stay

LONDON (AP) — The Latest on Britain’s referendum on whether to leave the European Union (all times local):

12:30 p.m.

Hungary’s foreign minister says it would be against the interests of his country and of the European Union for Britain to leave the EU.

Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on Thursday described Britain as a “pragmatic voice” in the debate about the future of the EU, often in line with Hungary’s vision of the 28-member bloc, adding that its exit would be “contradictory” from a political and economic perspective.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban earlier this week bought a full-page ad in a British newspaper The Daily Mail, to say that “Hungary is proud to stand with you as a member of the European Union.”

An estimated 300,000 Hungarians live in Britain.

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11:55 a.m.

An opinion poll conducted on the eve of Britain’s referendum shows a narrow lead for those who want Britain to remain a part of the European Union.

Polling firm Ipsos MORI says the “remain” camp enjoyed a four-point lead ahead of the vote. But the polling firm’s chief executive, Ben Page, says 13 percent of those polled said they still might change their minds.

The poll of 1,592 people was conducted for the Evening Standard newspaper and was completed Wednesday night.

Page said Thursday that heavy rain in London may affect the vote, because the British capital is seen as a “remain” stronghold.

Recent opinion polls in Britain have been unreliable.

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11:40 a.m.

Betfair says momentum has moved to the “remain” camp in a referendum on whether or not Britain will remain in the European Union.

The betting market says the probability that the country will remain now stands at 86 percent, with a British exit or Brexit given just a 14 percent chance. Betfair says some 55 million pounds ($80 million) has now traded on the market, making it their biggest market to date. Their previous high was the 2012 U.S. presidential election at 40 million pounds.

The FTSE 100 gained 1.5 percent in early trading to 6,355.64, buoyed by sentiment that the uncertainty caused by a potential Brexit may be receding.

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10:40 a.m.

The British pound and stock markets are rallying in morning trading in Europe, an indication that investors are betting that Britain is more likely to vote to “remain” in the European Union.

The pound was up 1.1 percent on the day, at $1.4874, the highest level so far this year. Britain’s benchmark stock index, the FTSE 100, was up 1.6 percent at 6,362. Germany’s DAX was up 2.2 percent at 10,297.

Experts say that an exit from the EU would hurt the pound as well as global stock markets, at least in the short term.

While exit polls are not allowed to be published during Thursday’s vote, which closes at 10 p.m. (2100 GMT) some financial companies have reportedly commissioned private exit polling services to help guide their trading.

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10:30 a.m.

Germany’s biggest-selling newspaper has an offer for the British: stay in the European Union and we’ll stop making jokes about Prince Charles’ ears and reserve you places by the hotel pool in the morning.

The mass-circulation Bild daily dipped into decades of clichés about British-German relations for its front page Thursday, headlined “Dear Britons, if you stay in the EU …”

Among the offers: “We won’t use any sun cream at the beach any more — out of solidarity with your sunburn!” And “we’ll push through an EU directive banning foam on beer!”

Topping the list was an offer that would stick in any Germany soccer fan’s throat: “Even we will recognize the Wembley goal!” That’s a reference to England’s third goal in its 1966 World Cup final victory, which Germans maintain didn’t cross the goal line.

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9:05 a.m.

Voters in parts of Britain are facing floods and torrential downpours as they cast their ballots in a referendum on whether or not to remain in the European Union.

The capital, London, is expecting a month’s rainfall in a few hours Thursday. Overnight thunderstorms flooded some streets, homes and businesses. Commuters also suffered disruptions.

London’s Fire Brigade says it received hundreds of calls related to the weather, including reports of lightning strikes and rising water that trapped vehicles.

The Environment Agency has issued four flood warnings and 22 flood alerts across the southeastern part of the country.

Sunny weather is predicted for much of the rest of the country.

Pollsters say turnout will be a critical factor in the vote. A large turnout will favor the “remain” campaign as those who waver at the end tend to go for the status quo.

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9 a.m.

Prime Minister David Cameron has cast his ballot in the referendum on whether or not Britain will remain in the European Union.

The Conservative leader had headed the campaign to have Britain stay in the 28-nation bloc.

The leader of the opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, also cast his ballot in the referendum, which is considered historic because it will have an impact on generations to come.

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7:15 a.m.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says there will be a big impact on the global economy if Britain votes to leave the European Union.

“It would be a very big shock, there is no doubt about that. … There will be obviously be great efforts to ensure that the consequences of that shock are minimized,” Turnbull told reporters.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told reporters it is in Australia’s “national interest for a strong Britain, an indispensable friend and ally of ours, to remain within the European Union.”

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7 a.m.

Polls have opened in Britain for a referendum on whether the country should quit the European Union bloc it joined 43 years ago.

More than 46 million people are registered to vote in Thursday’s plebiscite, which asks: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?”

Polls are open until 10 p.m. (2100GMT), with results due early Friday.

The referendum has exposed deep divisions over issues including sovereignty and national identity.

“Leave” campaigners claim that only a British exit can restore power to Parliament and control immigration. The “remain” campaign led by Prime Minister David Cameron argues that Britain is safer and richer inside the 28-nation EU.

Financial markets have been volatile ahead of the vote, as opinion polls suggested a tight race.