38% is 52% of 71.8%. Well, it is actualy 37.336% but I have rounded up.

Nothing mythical about simple arithmetic.

In simple terms it means that of those who could vote, 38% voted to leave, 35% voted to remain and 27% abstained. I have never commented on the reasons for abstention as neither I now anyone else can possibly know. The simple fact of the matter remains that a mathematical as opposed to mythical 38% of the population voted to leave the EU and it is now up to our MPs to determine whether to follow the 38% or try to decipher what proportion of the abstentions would back whatever decision they make. Not an easy job.

Hope this helps

DtG