Financial markets reacted immediately to the news and the FTSE fell by 8.7% at open; with banking and house building shares being some of the hardest hit. The Pound has also slumped against international currencies to levels not seen since 1985.
The only thing that now seems certain, is that we cannot be sure of much in the short term. The process of Brexit is unlikely to be quick or easy, and the prolonged period of uncertainty that will accompany this may be difficult.