Friday, January 31, 2020

UK finally leaves European Union three-and-a-half years after Brexit vote

The UK has finally left the EU three years after the Brexit referendum
The UK has finally left the EU three years after the Brexit referendum

The UK has finally left the European Union, drawing a line under one of the most divisive political issues in British history.

52% of people voted to leave the bloc in June 2016, but it took three-and-a-half years, two prime ministers and two general elections to deliver on that result.

After three deadline delays, bonds dating back to 1973 when the UK joined the European Economic Community have broken.

When the clock struck 11 thousands taking part in a Brexit celebration event in Parliament Square erupted into cheers.

An illuminated clock counting down to the deadline  was projected onto Downing Street and jubilant Brexiteers people began singing God Save the Queen.

Departure day has brought celebrations and protests as the United Kingdom takes a step into a new and uncertain future.

The Big Ben's clock shows eleven o' clock in London, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. The U.K. officially departs the EU at 11 p.m. local time, midnight in Brussels (2300 GMT, 6 p.m. EST). The move comes 3?? years after the country voted by a margin of 52%-48% to walk away from the club that it had joined in 1973. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Big Ben as the clock strikes 11 on Brexit Day
DOVER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: *EMBARGOED UNTIL 23:00 ON 31ST JAN** Sky News marks Brexit day by projecting a farewell message on the white cliffs of Dover on January 31, 2020 in Dover, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Sky UK)
Sky News marks Brexit day by projecting a farewell message on the white cliffs of Dover (Picture: Getty)
A countdown clock is illuminated at 10 Downing Street on Brexit day in London, Britain January 31, 2020. REUTERS/Toby Melville
A countdown clock is illuminated at 10 Downing Street (Picture: Reuters)
Brexit supporters wave Union flags as the time passes 11 O'Clock at a Brexit Celebration party at Woolston Social Club in Warrington, north west England on January 31, 2020, the moment that the UK formally left the European Union. - Britain on January 31 ends almost half a century of integration with its closest neighbours and leaves the European Union, starting a new -- but still uncertain -- chapter in its long history. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Brexit supporters wave Union flags as the time passes 11 O\’Clock (Picture: AFP)
A man raises a bottle of champagne as people celebrate Britain leaving the EU on Brexit day in London, Britain, January 31, 2020. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls
A man raises a bottle of champagne as people celebrate Britain leaving the EU (Picture: Reuters)
11pm brexit grabs
Crowds erupt as the clock strikes 11 (Picture: Sky News)
Brexit supporters carry flags and placards as they walk down Whitehall in central London on January 31, 2020 on the day that the UK formally leaves the European Union. - Britain on January 31 ends almost half a century of integration with its closest neighbours and leaves the European Union, starting a new -- but still uncertain -- chapter in its long history. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)
Brexit supporters carry flags and placards as they walk down Whitehall in central London on January 31 (Picture: AFP)
A Brexit supporter takes part in a rally at Parliament square in London (Picture: PA)
A Brexit supporter takes part in a rally at Parliament square in London (Picture: PA)

The journey is far from over, with both sides now tasked with hammering out a new trade deal within a year.

Downing Street marked the last moments in the bloc with a lightshow in the colours of the Union Jack.

In an address to the nation broadcast earlier this evening, the PM hailed the historic moment  as the ‘dawn of a new era’.

He said: ‘For many people this is an astonishing moment of hope, a moment they thought would never come.

‘And there are many of course who feel a sense of anxiety and loss.

‘And then of course there is a third group – perhaps the biggest – who had started to worry that the whole political wrangle would never come to an end.

“I understand all those feelings and our job as the government – my job – is to bring this country together now and take us forward.’

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage celebrates during a rally in London, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. The U.K. officially departs the EU at 11 p.m. local time, midnight in Brussels (2300 GMT, 6 p.m. EST). The move comes 3?? years after the country voted by a margin of 52%-48% to walk away from the club that it had joined in 1973. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage celebrates during a rally in London (Picture: PA)
A projection by the Mayor of London???s office displaying 'London - everyone welcome' is seen at Piccadilly Circus in London, Britain January 31, 2020. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
A projection by the Mayor of London’s office displaying London – everyone welcome (Picture: Reuters)
A digital Brexit countdown clock shows the clock face of the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, as it strikes 11 o'clock, as it is projected onto the front of 10 Downing Street, the official residence of Britain's Prime Minister, in central London on January 31, 2020, as Britain leaves the European Union. - Brexit supporters gathered outside parliament on Friday to cheer Britain's departure from the European Union following three years of epic political drama -- but for others there were only tears. After 47 years in the European fold, the country leaves the EU at 11:00pm (2300 GMT) on Friday, with a handful of the most enthusiastic supporters gathering opposite the Houses of Parliament 12 hours before the final countdown. (Photo by Tolga AKMEN / AFP) (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images)
A digital Brexit countdown clock shows the clock face of Big Ben (Picture: AFP)
epaselect epa08183010 Pro Brexit supporters celebrate outside the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain, 31 January 2020. Britain officially exits the EU on 31 January 2020, beginning an eleven month transition period. EPA/NEIL HALL
Pro Brexit supporters celebrate outside the Houses of Parliament in London (Picture: EPA)

Britian’s departure from the bloc means the country has now entered a transition period.

Boris Johnson is expected to clash with EU members as he pursues a hard Brexit that does not align closely with EU rules.

But despite the rocky road ahead, several EU politicians have taken the opportunity to wish Britain good look tonight.

But it’s not an exciting day for everyone, with some remainers saying they will be ‘grieving’ the relationship with the EU for some time.

President of the EU Comission, Ursula Von Der Leyen, tweeted: ‘The challenges that Europe faces, and the opportunities that it can grasp, have not changed because of #Brexit. As part of this, we want to have the best possible relationship with the UK. But it will never be as good as membership. #NewBeginnings

The Union flag is taken down outside the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, ahead of the UK leaving the European Union at 11pm on Friday. PA Photo. Picture date: Friday January 31, 2020. See PA story POLITICS Brexit. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
The Union flag is taken down outside the European Parliament in Brussels (Picture: PA)
Pro-EU campaigners take part in a 'Missing EU Already' rally outside the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, organised by the Edinburgh Yes Hub, which backs Scottish independence, ahead of the UK leaving the European Union at 11pm on Friday. PA Photo. Picture date: Friday January 31, 2020. See PA story POLITICS Brexit. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
Pro-EU campaigners take part in a ‘Missing EU Already’ rally outside the Scottish Parliament (Picture: PA)

However, not everyone is welcoming the news with open arms.

There were tears of happiness and sadness when the clock struck 11 and Britain finally divorced from the bloc.

In Scotland, where 60% of people voted remain, a candlelit vigil was held.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted a picture of the EU flag, adding: ‘Scotland will return to the heart of Europe as an independent country – #LeaveALightOnForScotland’

In response, the EU commission building light up with a message of solidarity for the nation, which is seeking independence to rejoin the EU.

The feeling in Brussels was one of sadness, as Union Jack flags were torn down from EU buildings.

Boris Johnson may have delivered on his election promise to ‘Get Brexit Done’ but, in reality, the hard part has yet to start.

February 1 marks the beginning of a new phase of negotiations between the UK and Brussels to agree the shape of the future relationship.

If a trade deal cannot be sorted then the default option is no deal.



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