Reactions from celebrities and politicians on Britain's vote to leave EU

By Liu Jing and Yan Dongjie (chinadaily.com.cn) Updated: 2016-06-24 21:33

Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Foreign Minister: The news from Britain is really sobering. It looks like a sad day for Europe and Britain.

Sigmar Gabriel, German Vice-Chancellor: Damn! A bad day for Europe.

Manfred Weber, leader of the largest group in the European Parliament, the EPP: Exit negotiations should be concluded within 2 years at max. There cannot be any special treatment. Leave means leave.

Anton Boerner, head of Germany's foreign trade association: That is a catastrophic result for Britain and also for Europe and Germany, especially the German economy. It is disturbing that the oldest democracy in the world turns its back on us.

Witold Waszczykowski, Poland's foreign minister: Brexit is bad news for Britain and Europe. It is a sign the EU concept needs to change.

Gerard Araud, French ambassador to the US: Now to the other Members states to save the EU from unravelling which excludes business as usual, especially in Brussels. Reform or die!

Jayant Sinha, Junior Finance Minister, India: There's going to be market dislocation and we are going to have to focus on that.

Malcolm Turnbull, Australian Prime Minister: The impact on Australia immediately, directly, from a legal point of view, will be very limited because it will take some years for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, to negotiate an exit. However, we've seen already large falls on stock markets and there will be a degree of uncertainty for some time.

Veteran Labour lawmaker Keith Vaz: This is a crushing, crushing decision. This is a terrible day for Europe.

Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders: Hurrah for the British! Now it is our turn. Time for a Dutch referendum!

Labour lawmaker Gisela Stuart: Britain is an open society, it is a welcoming society and we will continue to be cooperating with European countries on an international level.

European People's Party chairman Manfred Weber: The vote causes major damage to both sides, but in first line to the UK. This is a British vote, not a European vote. People in the other states don't want to leave Europe.

UK Independence Leader Nigel Farage: Britain's decision to leave the European Union is a victory for ordinary people, against the big banks, big business and big politics.

Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso: I'm extremely concerned about possible risks that the apparent decision would pose on global financial and currency markets, where stability is very important.