BREXIT
LONDON: The United Kingdom has officially left the European Union (EU) after 47 years of membership and a tough and complicated Brexit negotiations the past few years.
The BBC reported that the event, which officially took place at 11pm London time Friday was marked by both partying by the Brexiters and candlelight vigils in Scotland and protests by those who had been against leaving the EU.
It also reported that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in his speech released through the social media an hour before the official exit, had acknowledged the mixed reactions of the people to leaving the EU and pledged to bring the people together and take the country forward.
“The most important thing to say tonight is that this is not an end but a beginning… a moment of real national renewal and change,” he said.
Across the channel, the Brexit day was marked with the Union flag being removed from the European Union institutions in Brussels, as well as celebrations of farewell and good tidings.
The UK’s official departure from EU will be followed by a period of transition during which the UK expects to sign a permanent free trade agreement. – Bernama/NNN/Agencies
