LONDON – Brexit becomes a reality today as Britain leaves Europe’s customs union and single market, ending nearly half a century of often turbulent ties with its closest neighbours.
The United Kingdom’s tortuous departure from the European Union takes full effect when Big Ben strikes 11.00pm (2300 GMT) in central London, just as most of the European mainland ushers in 2021 at midnight.
Brexit has dominated British politics since the country’s narrow vote to leave the bloc in June 2016, opening deep political and social wounds that still remain raw.
Legally, Britain left on January 31, but has been in a standstill transition period during fractious talks to a secure a free-trade agreement with Brussels, which was finally clinched on Christmas Eve.
Once the transition ends, EU rules will no longer apply, with the immediate consequence being an end to the free movement of more than 500 million people between Britain and 27 EU states.
Customs border checks will be back for the first time in decades, and despite the free-trade deal, queues and disruption from additional paperwork are expected.
Symbolic departure
Britain – a financial and diplomatic big-hitter, and major Nato power – is the first member state to leave the EU, which was set up to forge unity after the horrors of World War II.
The EU has lost 66 million people and an economy worth US$2.85 trillion (RM11.5 trillion), but Brexit, with its appeal to nationalist populism, also triggered fears other disgruntled members could follow suit.
Leaders in both London and Brussels signalled their wish to draw a line.
“It’s been a long road. It’s time now to put Brexit behind us. Our future is made in Europe,” European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said yesterday, as she signed the trade pact.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Brexit was designed to resolve “the old, tired, vexed question of Britain’s political relations with Europe, which has bedevilled our post-war history”.
Today “marks a new beginning in our country's history and a new relationship with the EU as their biggest ally”, he said after British Parliament voted to back the trade deal.
“This moment is finally upon us and now is the time to seize it.” – AFP, December 31, 2020
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