To change the discussion a little bit, how would a brexit or even a cancelled brexit affect the world?
A canceled brexit is easy : everything would go back to before. Granted, there 'd be some disgruntled naval - and airports, because they had to make preparations that would turn out unneeded (extra customs locations, and such).
Brexit is about the way the country trades with others, so that would change. It'll obviously be somewhat chaotic, but it'll be more or less fine after a while (say... A couple of years). I'm honestly convinced that this is a situation without winners. The trade deals were there to facilitate trade, so getting rid of those makes it harder for EU members and the UK, administrative and legislative.
The main problem is, however, if I turn out to be right. Brexiteers have always argued that the EU held them back. How will the UK population react when their dreams don't come true after leaving? If so, it's not that unlikely there'll be a EU friendly government coming to power in a few years, reapplying membership with the EU. Another real possibility is that Scotland leaves the UK to join the EU themselves (which would surely bring other kinds of tensions).
Okay, there is also a problem when the brexiteers are right (though not for them, obviously). Many other countries will no doubt see a spike in popularity in political parties appealing to populism. It could happen that the entire EU cases to exists /falls apart because of this. It's extreme, but not an impossible scenario. But really... What's the point of having a union of we're INDEED better off on our own?
