Cameron's reckless gamble could lead to breakup of the UK

THE reaction to the UK's vote to leave the European Union has been dramatic. Sterling has fallen to levels not seen since 1985, David Cameron has resigned as prime minister and S&P has downgraded the nation's AAA credit rating by two notches to AA, with a negative outlook, in a move that may come to symbolise the perceived diminished status of the nation.

Beyond this immediate reaction to the historic referendum result, however, Mr Cameron leaves a damning longer-term political legacy which may now see not just a Brexit but also the United Kingdom itself unravelling. The tragedy is that this pathway was by no means inevitable and stems in large part from the prime minister's own unwise decisions in office.

The EU referendum Mr Cameron called was one of personal choice, not necessity, and reflected in large part his concerns in 2014 - before the last general election - that the United Kingdom Independence Party (Ukip) posed a significant electoral threat to the Conservatives. Calling a referendum in those circumstances has proven to be a reckless gamble that has destroyed his premiership.