The deadline for EU vote registrations have been extended to 9 June
The government has confirmed a new deadline for voters to register for this month's EU referendum – midnight on 9 June.
It comes after political pressure to introduce an extension following the collapse of online services ahead of last night's original deadline.
The gov.uk site provided limited access between 22.15 and 00.00 after more than 200,000 people per hour attempted to register their vote.
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In a statement, cabinet office minister Matt Hancock said: “Following discussions with the Electoral Commission and strong cross party support expressed in the House of Commons, we will introduce secondary legislation to extend the deadline for voter registration until midnight tomorrow.
“Having taken the decision today, we think it is right to extend to midnight tomorrow (9 June) to allow people who have not yet registered time to get the message that registration is still open and get themselves registered.”
Read More: Voter registration website crashes just an hour before deadline
Labour's shadow minister for voter registration Gloria De Piero said: “Following the chaos of last night, tens of thousands of people will be relieved that they will have a say in this crucial vote.
“We urge everyone who thinks they are not on the register to get back on and have their say.”
Although online registration is not available in Northern Ireland, potential voters are being urged to download forms and return them to the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland.