UK Officially Leaves The European Union

The United Kingdom has formally exited the European Union after 47 years of membership following the Brexit movement.

After 47 years of sitting at the European Union’s top table, the UK on Friday exited the 28-member group, the first time a member-state has left the group.

The European union origins lie in efforts in the aftermath of the Second World War to counter impulses of extreme nationalism. The moment of exit – 11 pm GMT – was described as a ‘bittersweet’ one by many, including Ireland PM Leo Varadkar.

The Bexit Day, ending years of wrangling since the 2016 referendum, was marked by low-key events staged by the Boris Johnson government.

Boris Johnson said: “The most important thing to say tonight is that this is not an end but a beginning. This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act. It is a moment of real national renewal and change.”

Ireland Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said: “We’ll say goodbye to an old friend embarking on an adventure, their own tryst of destiny. We do hope it works out for them”.

“But if it does not, there will always be a seat for the United Kingdom at the European table. The next step is to negotiate future relationships, including a free trade agreement, between the EU including Ireland and the United Kingdom”, he added.