thedailyexpress--2020-12-31--Tony Blair's aide names FIVE UK failures Brexit negotiations – before Boris 'caved in'

Jonathan Powell , who was also chief UK negotiator in Northern Ireland from 1997-2007 , raged he had `` never seen a British government perform worse than they did in the four years of negotiations that concluded with the Christmas Eve Brexit agreement .
He said in terms of the negotiating strategy employed by the UK , `` it is an object lesson in how not to do it '' , `` adding it is worth standing back and looking at what we can learn from the debacle '' .
Mr Powell then outlined `` five principle reasons '' as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit negotiations with the EU .
He wrote for Politico : `` We massively overestimated the strength of our negotiating position .
It is true we are equally sovereign as the EU , but we are not sovereign equals .
`` They are much larger , and we depend on them much more for trade than they do on us .
`` That is why we have had to back down every step of the way , accepting EU insistence that we agree the divorce agreement first , putting a trade border between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , accepting a single legal treaty and finally Boris Johnson caving in just before the end-of-year deadline .
`` The same disparity of strength exists with the U.S. , and we should bear that in mind during trade negotiations with Washington . ''
Mr Powell said Britain had triggered Article 50 `` before we were ready '' , meaning `` we constantly found ourselves facing a self-inflicted deadline by which we had to concede or face severe economic and political costs '' .
The former Downing Street Chief of Staff said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun before we had worked out our own position , with the result that we spent the first two years negotiating with ourselves while EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier ’ s clock was ticking .
`` Triggering Article 50 — the legal mechanism that kicked off a time-limited exit process — before we were ready meant we constantly found ourselves facing a self-inflicted deadline by which we had to concede or face severe economic and political costs .
`` We should have waited until we knew what we wanted and only then pulled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowing our desired endpoint .
This was not the fault of the negotiators but of their political leaders . ''
READ MORE : Brexit LIVE : Lord Adonis offers to lead charge to 'get Brexit undone' He then said it was an error to prioritise the `` principles of sovereignty over economic interests '' , and accused the UK of `` fighting ( and losing ) overfishing '' and making the mistake of not paying enough attention to the economic significance of the services sector .
Mr Powell continued : `` Third , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests and put defensive steps protecting a theoretical concept we don ’ t actually want to use ahead of practical benefits .
`` Sovereignty is a nebulous concept — as the newly-published assessment by the “ Star Chamber ” of the European Research Group of pro-Brexit Tories unconsciously demonstrates in distinguishing between practical and theoretical sovereignty .
`` In any international agreement , from the NATO treaty to the Good Friday Agreement , a state limits its sovereignty , but it usually does so in return for practical benefits .
DO N'T MISS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ruinous EU ' [ COMMENT ] Boris 's Brexit deal is a FRAUD – and here 's 10 reasons why [ OPINION ] Brexit POLL : Should Britain be banned from rejoining the EU [ POLL ] He added : `` With this agreement with the EU , we have done the opposite .
We have defended the theoretical possibility of doing things we don ’ t actually want to do , like lower our environmental standards or support failing industries , in return for giving up measures that would increase our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last weeks fighting ( and losing ) overfishing , which represents 0.1 percent of our economy while accepting that services , which represents 80 percent of our economy and where we have a competitive advantage , is excluded from the agreement .
W `` We have therefore ended up with a free-trade agreement which is worse in substantive terms than many others the EU has recently concluded , and we have certainly not secured “ no non-tariff barriers , ” as Boris Johnson has claimed . ''
Tony Blair 's former chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroyed the EU ’ s trust '' over the steps taken to override key elements of the Northern Ireland Protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement , a move he claimed backfired on Downing Street .
Mr Powell wrote : `` We willfully destroyed the EU ’ s trust in our commitment to implement what we had already agreed by threatening to unilaterally renege on the Northern Ireland Protocol .
`` No .
10 reportedly thought they could provoke a crisis and thereby give themselves the whip hand as the EU panicked .
Instead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieved its objectives while we wasted time on silly tactical games .
`` We were forced to back down before we could sign the FTA , so we made no substantive gain , but the price will be paid in the future as we try to negotiate further agreements with the EU on financial services and justice and home affairs issues in the absence of trust . ''
Finally , `` and most unforgivably ” , he accused Britain of never having a strategic plan for the negotiations with Brussels .
He concluded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — you would never enter into a military or political campaign without a strategy — but the Government seemed to think it was alright to turn up for these talks and hope things would work out .
`` As a result , we were constantly reacting to EU positions throughout and even agreed to negotiate from an EU text rather than a UK one .
Unsurprisingly , the agreement ended up being mostly what the EU wanted . ''
In a final brutal swipe , Mr Powell warned : `` It is worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because we are embarking on a series of trade negotiations with countries around the world .
`` If we want to do more than simply replicate existing agreements those countries have with the EU , we are going to have to do a lot better .
`` And if we think the Brexit negotiations with the EU itself are over , we are about to be sadly disappointed .
`` We are at the beginning of what will be decades of permanent negotiation with our much larger and more powerful neighbour .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same mistakes again or we will all pay for it . ''

Boris Johnson signs Brexit trade deal with EU
Jonathan Powell, who was also chief UK negotiator in Northern Ireland from 1997-2007, raged he had "never seen a British government perform worse than they did in the four years of negotiations that concluded with the Christmas Eve Brexit agreement. He said in terms of the negotiating strategy employed by the UK, "it is an object lesson in how not to do it", "adding it is worth standing back and looking at what we can learn from the debacle". Mr Powell then outlined "five principle reasons" as to why the UK has failed in Brexit negotiations with the EU.
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He wrote for Politico: "We massively overestimated the strength of our negotiating position. It is true we are equally sovereign as the EU, but we are not sovereign equals. "They are much larger, and we depend on them much more for trade than they do on us. "That is why we have had to back down every step of the way, accepting EU insistence that we agree the divorce agreement first, putting a trade border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, accepting a single legal treaty and finally Boris Johnson caving in just before the end-of-year deadline. "The same disparity of strength exists with the U.S., and we should bear that in mind during trade negotiations with Washington."
Brexit news: The UK's negotiating strategy with the EU has been savaged by Jonathan Powell
Brexit news: Boris
Mr Powell said Britain had triggered Article 50 "before we were ready", meaning "we constantly found ourselves facing a self-inflicted deadline by which we had to concede or face severe economic and political costs". The former Downing Street Chief of Staff said: "Second, we fired the starting gun before we had worked out our own position, with the result that we spent the first two years negotiating with ourselves while EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier’s clock was ticking. "Triggering Article 50 — the legal mechanism that kicked off a time-limited exit process — before we were ready meant we constantly found ourselves facing a self-inflicted deadline by which we had to concede or face severe economic and political costs. "We should have waited until we knew what we wanted and only then pulled the trigger rather than blundering in without knowing our desired endpoint. This was not the fault of the negotiators but of their political leaders." READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Lord Adonis offers to lead charge to 'get Brexit undone'
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Brexit news: The UK's chief negotiator Lord Frost and EU counterpart Michel Barnier
He then said it was an error to prioritise the "principles of sovereignty over economic interests", and accused the UK of "fighting (and losing) overfishing" and making the mistake of not paying enough attention to the economic significance of the services sector. Mr Powell continued: "Third, we prioritised principles of sovereignty over economic interests and put defensive steps protecting a theoretical concept we don’t actually want to use ahead of practical benefits. "Sovereignty is a nebulous concept — as the newly-published assessment by the “Star Chamber” of the European Research Group of pro-Brexit Tories unconsciously demonstrates in distinguishing between practical and theoretical sovereignty. "In any international agreement, from the NATO treaty to the Good Friday Agreement, a state limits its sovereignty, but it usually does so in return for practical benefits. DON'T MISS
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He added: "With this agreement with the EU, we have done the opposite. We have defended the theoretical possibility of doing things we don’t actually want to do, like lower our environmental standards or support failing industries, in return for giving up measures that would increase our prosperity. "So we have spent the last weeks fighting (and losing) overfishing, which represents 0.1 percent of our economy while accepting that services, which represents 80 percent of our economy and where we have a competitive advantage, is excluded from the agreement. W "We have therefore ended up with a free-trade agreement which is worse in substantive terms than many others the EU has recently concluded, and we have certainly not secured “no non-tariff barriers,” as Boris Johnson has claimed." Tony Blair's former chief aide then claimed the UK "wilfully destroyed the EU’s trust" over the steps taken to override key elements of the Northern Ireland Protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement, a move he claimed backfired on Downing Street. Mr Powell wrote: "We willfully destroyed the EU’s trust in our commitment to implement what we had already agreed by threatening to unilaterally renege on the Northern Ireland Protocol.
"No. 10 reportedly thought they could provoke a crisis and thereby give themselves the whip hand as the EU panicked. Instead, the EU kept calmly ploughing on and achieved its objectives while we wasted time on silly tactical games. "We were forced to back down before we could sign the FTA, so we made no substantive gain, but the price will be paid in the future as we try to negotiate further agreements with the EU on financial services and justice and home affairs issues in the absence of trust." Finally, "and most unforgivably”, he accused Britain of never having a strategic plan for the negotiations with Brussels. He concluded: "It is a strange thing — you would never enter into a military or political campaign without a strategy — but the Government seemed to think it was alright to turn up for these talks and hope things would work out. "As a result, we were constantly reacting to EU positions throughout and even agreed to negotiate from an EU text rather than a UK one. Unsurprisingly, the agreement ended up being mostly what the EU wanted."
Brexit news: The key moments that have led to the UK's departure from the EU


thedailyexpress--2020-01-31--Brexit Day LIVE: EU's bitter parting threat to Boris - 'If you don't respect the rules!'

`` And it is very clear that there are some fields where we have strong common interests .
`` For example , the fight against climate change . ''
`` You know it is the story of old friends and new beginnings now .
`` Of course , we want to work together as close as possible .
12.11pm update : Raise a pint to Brexit !
Wetherspoons cut prices on 10 drinks to celebrate leaving EU Weatherspoon pubs will sell cheaper drinks to mark Britain 's withdrawal from the EU today as chairman Tim Martin is `` keen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prices of a number of European drinks today , in order to mark the historic day .
He told Express.co.uk the move was a “ gesture of reconciliation ” as the promotion offers customers a discount of around 60p on 10 drinks that originate from Europe and the UK , including the Spanish beer Estrella Galicia and Jameson Irish Whiskey .
The chairman of the popular food and drink chain said he expects today will be busier than usual , as “ people will either be rejoicing or drowning their sorrows ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ details revealed - 'One not to miss ' Financial Time political editor George Parker tweeted : `` No 10 Brexit party starts at 9pm : on menu English sparkling wine , ploughmans , roast beef , Shropshire blue cheese .
`` Guest list includes ministers , Vote Leave veterans .
One not to miss.
” Liberal Democrat Bill Newton Dunn , who served in the first European Parliament in 1979 , said he is very worried for `` the man on the street '' after Brexit if the UK is hit by job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the PA news agency : `` I think the rich Tories will look after themselves - they 've got the tax havens .
`` But it is the man in the street in the UK who may lose his job or the prices might start rising if sterling falls , so I am worried . ''
He added : `` I am very , very worried for the UK .
`` I think it is a profound mistake in history , if you are going to do something you need to have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do next . ''
The coins , which were produced in a limited edition of 1,500 and are priced at £945 , were no longer available to buy from there Royal Mint website this morning .
A limited-edition two-coin set - with a historic 1973 50p marking the UK 's accession into the European Economic Community and a new 2020 50p marking the withdrawal from the European Union - has also sold out .
The Royal Mint was operating a queueing system just to get on its website this morning as demand for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit 50p coins were entering banks , post offices and shops .
A further seven million of the coins , minted to mark the UK 's departure from the EU , will enter circulation later this year .
10.36am update : Ireland to take ‘ very firm line ’ in post-Brexit trade talks - Varadkar Ireland ’ s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has warned the country will take a “ very firm line ” in post-Brexit trade talks and has pledged to protect the fishing and farming communities in the upcoming negotiations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as mackerel and prawns , come from UK waters , while the Taoiseach added almost three quarters of UK fish are exported to the EU .
He told Irish broadcaster RTE : `` Having control of their own fishing grounds is not going to be much use to them unless they can export to the EU .
`` That is why it gets tied up with trade and we are going to take a very firm line on that to make sure that we protect our coastal communities and our fishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is not done yet , it is not over and the next phase is the negotiation of the trade agreement between the EU and UK .
`` That is absolutely essential for Irish farmers , for the rural economy , for our fishermen , for 200,000 people working in export industries across Ireland and it is also going to be essential in terms of getting the rating , the revenues and the strong economy that we need to invest in health and housing . ''
10.27am update : SNP to double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independence vote Scotland ’ s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said : `` Our party campaign is therefore ready to ramp up .
“ We aim to double the SNP campaign budget this year to support new independence materials , local newspaper adverts and a new campaign film focused on undecided voters .
`` It is vital that as we campaign we listen and engage respectfully .
`` There are many people out there who voted No in 2014 now thinking about independence differently in light of Brexit .
`` We must show that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they grapple with and that , for many , emotions will be mixed .
`` So , we must make our case with passion but also with patience and respect .
We must never stoop to the level of our political opponents . ''
10.23am update : How leading politicians involved in Brexit will be celebrating Matt Chorley , editor of The Times ’ Red Box podcast , has been asking senior figures involved in Brexit how they will celebrate tonight .
Former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said : `` Strangely as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red .
So bloody fed up with it . ''
Theresa May has constituency engagements , but Said Lidington , who was the former Prime Minister ’ s deputy , said he will be `` playing some music : Bach , Mahler or Beethoven - to remind myself that we may be leaving the EU but will always be part of Europe '' .
When asked how he is marking Brexit , Sir Keir Starmer , the frontrunner in the Labour leadership race , snapped : “ I don ’ t know !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ my campaign team .
I suspect I ’ ll be spending the evening in a hotel bar in Bristol preparing for the following day ’ s leadership hustings.
” Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson will be `` listening to an AC/DC tribute band in Birmingham .
As the lyrics go : 'dirty deeds , done dirt cheap ’ , while Ruth Davidson said it is a “ normal working day for me ” .
Peter Mandelson will be `` reflecting on the huge success of Britain ’ s past membership of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ties to those with whom we have such strong common interests '' .
But when David Cameron , who called the referendum in 2016 and quit as Prime Minister following the Brexit vote , would be doing , he replied : “ Ha !
Nice try !
” Fabian Picardo told Spanish TVE : `` My government and most of the citizens of Gibraltar have deep regrets about what is about to happen .
`` For us , today is not a day to be celebrated and I know it is the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spanish area around Gibraltar who also wanted Gibraltar to stay in the EU . ''
10.08am update : ‘ Sadness will be tinged with anger ’ over Brexit - Sturgeon Scotland ’ s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said : `` Tonight , the UK will leave the European Union .
That will be a moment of profound sadness for many of us across the UK .
And here in Scotland , given that it is happening against the will of the vast majority of us , that sadness will be tinged with anger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something much more important .
Hope of a different and better future for Scotland .
“ After tonight , that future is only open to us with independence .
Our task is to persuade a majority of people in Scotland to choose it . ''
10.04am update : Von der Leyen in fresh warning to UK over trade deal talks European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the BBC : “ We want to work together as close as possible .
The crucial part is the single market .
“ There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK wants to be to the single market , the more they have to respect the rules of the single market .
`` If they do not want to respect the rules and the standards of the single market , the more distant , of course , they will be .
`` So , this is the room where we have to negotiate . ''
9.38am update : ‘ We can make a success of the choice we make ’ - David Cameron The former Prime Minister , who called the 2016 referendum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told Sky News : `` It 's obviously a very big day for our country .
`` I always accepted the referendum result and knew this day would come .
“ We are one of the biggest economies in the world - we can make a success of the choice that we make and I 'm sure that 's exactly what we will do . ''
The European Commission President told the BBC : `` It is a story of old friends and new beginnings now .
`` It is an emotional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next stage . ''
Ms von der Leyen also warned negotiations on a future trade deal will be “ tough ” but added “ we want to be the closest friends and partners you can think of ” .
9.28am update : EU Presidents say they had ‘ always deeply regretted ’ the UK 's decision to leave European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen , European Council leader Charles Michel and European Parliament President David Sassoli wrote in a joint letter published in several newspapers : For us , today will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mixed emotions - as it will for so many .
`` Our thoughts are with all of those who have helped to make the EU what it is today .
`` Those who are concerned about their future or disappointed to see the UK leave .
`` Those British members of our institutions who helped to shape policies that made lives better for millions of Europeans .
`` We will think of the UK and its people , their creativity , ingenuity , culture , and traditions , that have been a vital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen , European Council leader Charles Michel and European Parliament President David Sassoli said in a joint letter published in several newspapers the three bodies would do all in their power to make the EU 's future partnership with Britain a success .
But they warned the closeness of that partnership would hinge on decisions to be taken in the 11-month transitional period , `` because every choice has a consequence '' .
They wrote : `` Without the free movement of people , there can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods and services .
`` Without a level playing field on environment , labour , taxation and state aid , there can not be the highest quality access to the single market .
`` Without being a member , you can not retain the benefits of membership . ''
Ireland ’ s Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said three large ferries arrive each day , each unloading 8km of trucks in a 15-minute period .
He warned : `` What we need now for the next 12 months is more intensive negotiation to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Dublin Port would be at the coalface of - is minimised to the maximum extent possible , '' he said .
The Tanaiste added : `` There is the potential for chaos here in terms of logjams and traffic if the new systems do n't work .
I am confident that they will .
`` Ireland has come together to work together to make sure that our country is as ready for the new reality as possible and , on Brexit day , I think it is important to remind everybody of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preparing for in the context of the relationship between Ireland and the UK from a trading perspective .
`` From next Monday on , the second half of the negotiations will begin to make sure that we get a trade deal and arrangement in place that can allow the 17 billion euro of trade between Ireland and UK each year to continue to be facilitated , and the 200,000 jobs connected with that trade be protected , and the 40,000 Irish companies that trade with the UK every month , many of whom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that that can continue in a post-Brexit environment . ''
9.14am update : EU plan for trade talks with UK to be revealed on Monday BBC Brussels correspondent Adam Fleming tweeted : “ The EU ’ s draft mandate for negotiations with the UK will be launched with a press conference by @ michelbarnier on Monday.
” Boris Johnson wants to agree a full trade deal with the EU before the end of the transition period in December 2020 .
But several EU leaders have warned this tight timeframe makes that ambition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia eyeing post-Brexit trade deal by the end of 2020 Australia wants to finalise a post-Brexit trade agreement with the UK before the end of this year , a government minister has said .
The Australian minister for Trade , Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said Canberra was looking to an agreement which `` essentially eliminated tariffs , quotas , trade barriers as much as is possible '' .
In a boost to Boris Johnson , he added Australia was ready to go `` as soon as the UK was ready to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Australia was worth £13.8billion in 2018 , according to the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade .
Mr Birmingham told ABC Radio Adelaide that Brexit has felt like `` a never-ending story '' but added there was desire to strike an agreement .
`` Australia would love to see an agreement that essentially eliminated tariffs , quotas , trade barriers as much as is possible .
`` But of course it 's a negotiation and that will depend upon the perspective that the UK take .
Now , there 's goodwill on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly .
`` I think there is goodwill for it to be an ambitious agreement , but just how far the UK will go in terms of tariff and quota elimination , we 'll have to see . ''
He added : `` These types of trade agreements often take many years , but I have reinforced to our trade officials - and I think the same is felt on the UK side - that everyone wants to seize the goodwill , the momentum that 's there and also to try to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of 2020 ) .
” The Queen will spend the day at Sandringhamn , her private estate in Norfolk , where she is spending her annual winter break .
Her Majesty will spend the day as normal , dealing with official documents , such as Cabinet and State papers , delivered to her in her famous `` red boxes '' .
She may also be sending birthday wishes to her distant cousin Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands , formerly Queen Beatrix , who celebrates turning 82 on January 31 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the legislation for Boris Johnson 's Brexit deal , which the Prime Minister hailed as crossing the `` Brexit finish line '' .
But unlike Mr Johnson , she is not expected to make a statement to the nation regarding Brexit .
A series of protests have been planned along the Irish border .
Protests will take place at six points along the Irish border by the organisation Border Communities Against Brexit , from Carrickarnon just south of Newry to Aughnacloy in Co Tyrone , Aghalane and Blacklion in Co Fermanagh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Londonderry .
Anti-Brexit campaigners will stage a demonstration at Stormont , before Brexit supporters will throw a celebration party at the gates of the seat of Northern Ireland 's devolved government from 10.30pm for a count down to 11pm .
8.37am update : SNP says ‘ fanciful to believe ’ Johnson will complete comprehensive EU trade deal this year The party ’ s Westminster leader Ian Blackford has cast doubt on the credibility of the Prime Minister 's trade deal objectives , as he predicted there `` could still be an extension to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PA news agency : “ As things stand the transition expires at the end of this year .
“ I can not believe that the UK is going to be able to complete a comprehensive trade arrangement with the EU by the end of this year .
`` There is no evidence that suggests that that is a tenable target .
There is no nation that has achieved a trade agreement with the UK in such a timeframe , it 's - I would almost say it 's impossible .
`` So there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to answer as to whether or not there could still be an extension to the transition .
I just do n't think it 's a credible position , the one that he 's got . ''
8.28am update : Ireland in huge warning to Boris Johnson over post-Brexit trade deal Foreign Minister Simon Coveney has warned that without a `` level playing field '' there will be no EU trade deal with Britain post-Brexit .
Leo Varadkar ’ s deputy said any diversion from Britain on workers ' rights or competition rules will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the EU scuppered .
He told the PA news agency : `` There wo n't be a trade deal if there is n't a level playing field , one that is robust and credible .
`` Standards will have to be maintained in regards to environmental standards , or workers ' rights and so on .
`` That is only half of the challenge , the other half is around fair competition .
If the UK is trying to derive a competitive advantage for its own companies in order to trade into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ objective there will be no trade deal . ''
8.14am update : EU laws that won ’ t apply from 11pm on Friday REVEALED – but Leave voters left disappointed Britain will finally leave the European Union at 11pm , with Boris Johnson hailing Brexit as a landmark moment in the country 's history , but like the intense negotiations over the past three years , Britain 's relationship from the EU is far from over .
The UK will now enter a transition period until the end of 2020 , in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full free trade agreements with Brussels , although several EU leaders fear the short timeframe makes this impossible .
The true reason behind the tight timeframe and the desperate attempts from Mr Johnson to break free from the EU have now been revealed - and it means Britain will be in a “ strange limbo state ” , becoming a “ third country ” and a “ rule taker ” - at least for the next 11 months .
8.09am update : UK to mark Brexit with parties , rallies and speeches by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in London later today with a rally in central London .
The Leave Means Leave Brexit Celebration at Parliament Square will feature `` singalong hymns '' and speeches from Mr Farage , Ann Widdecombe and Julia Hartley-Brewer .
Tim Martin , the boss of pub chain Wetherspoons , and Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice , are also expected to speak at the rally , which takes place between 9pm and 11.15pm .
Big Ben will remain silent despite a high-profile campaign for it to ring out , but the gathered crowds will count @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrations with the national anthem .
The Government will mark the event with a `` commemorative light display '' in Downing Street just before 11pm , with a countdown clock projected on to its black bricks from 10pm .
Union Jack flags will line Parliament Square and The Mall , while Government buildings in Whitehall will be lit up in red , white and blue .
8am update : Boris Johnson to hail the `` dawn of a new era '' as UK leaves the EU The Prime Minister will deliver what has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation ” by 10 Downing Street - to be released an hour before the moment the UK leaves the EU - and will strike an optimistic tone about the future .
He will say : `` Our job as the government - my job - is to bring this country together and take us forward . ''
Mr Johnson will call Brexit `` the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act '' .
Thew Prime Minister will add : `` It is a moment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is the dawn of a new era in which we no longer accept that your life chances - your family 's life chances - should depend on which part of the country you grow up in . ''

Brexit Day: Brexiteers celebrate UK exit in Parliament Square
Britain formally left the European Union last night and now Boris Johnson must negotiate a trade deal with Brussels, and has just 11 months to do this. The Government must reach an agreement by December 31, 2020 - when the transition period ends - and former Brexit secretary David Davis has urged the Prime Minister to prioritise trade talks with the EU. He believes a deal can be struck within this time phrase, as extensive work has already been completed.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Davis said extensive work had already been completed when he was in the Cabinet to analyse every free trade deal Brussels had previously struck with other third countries. He said: "We should have started last March. "That being said, a lot of work has been done. "There's the possibility of a trade deal taking pieces from all the other trade deals that the European Union has done and therefore cannot undermine the single market. "It is going to be a fair race to do it right now because it was going to be 21 months, now it is only 11, but nevertheless it can be done in the time period."
Brexit Day news: Remainers have lit flares and displayed a banner over Westminster Bridge
Brexit Day news: Boris Johnson will address the nation this evening
Last night Britons across the country celebrated Brexit, with thousands gathering at Parliament Square in London to attend a party hosted by Brexit Party Nigel Farage. Speeches were given by Mr Farage, his colleagues Ann Widdecombe and Richard Tice, as well as Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin. They celebrated by singing renditions of Royal Britannia and God Save the Queen and by playing a recording of Big Ben's bongs. Meanwhile the Prime Minister addressed the nation from Downing Street and said Brexit can "unleash the full potential" of the UK. As the moment of the UK’s departure from the European Union approached, Mr Johnson acknowledged mixed feelings in a still-divided nation about the end of 47 years of close links with Brussels. In the pre-recorded message, he said: “We want this to be the beginning of a new era of friendly cooperation between the EU and an energetic Britain, a Britain that is simultaneously a great European power and truly global in our range and ambitions. “And when I look at this country’s incredible assets, our scientists, our engineers, our world-leading universities, our armed forces, when I look at the potential of this country waiting to be unleashed I know that we can turn this opportunity into a stunning success. “And whatever the bumps in the road ahead I know that we will succeed.” FOLLOW THE EXPRESS.CO.UK BLOG FOR LIVE BREXIT DAY UPDATES:
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Brexiteers have flocked to Parliament Square for the huge celebration
11.03am update: EU has 'five more years' warns politics professor Alan Sked, who founded UKIP in 1993, predicts the EU will only last "five more years". He said: "I will give the EU five more years. "Now that Germany is facing an economic crisis, the euro will not last long." 10.27am update: Celebrations continue as Brexiteers hail "Frexit" Brexiteers will continue to celebrate Britain's withdrawal from the EU today, as they host a "Frexit" party in Westminster. Former Brexit Party MEP Alexandra Phillips said a Frexit party will take place at the Red Lion in Westminster from 4pm. They will be meeting with officials from UPR, the campaign group for France's withdrawal from the EU. 9.43am update: Brexit night went off in a largely peaceful manner, police say As people both celebrated and mourned the UK’s departure from the EU at major events across the country, there were just a handful of arrests. Police dealt with five people in Whitehall in London, including one man who was charged with criminal damage and being drunk and disorderly. 5.45am update: Britain wakes up to a post-Brexit world Britons are preparing to wake up outside the European Union for the first time since the 1970s. Britain left the EU at 11pm last night. It will now be in a transition period until the end of 2020.
The party has started in Parliament Square
05.20am update: Housing Secretary - 'We got Brexit done' Shortly after 11pm, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick tweeted: "We’ve got Brexit done. "Now it’s time to level up, unite the country and make 2020 a great year for everyone across the UK." Mr Jenrick's tweet began and ended in Union Jack emojis. 03.40am update: 'Seemed impossible' Fomer defence secreatry Penny Mordaunt tweeted earlier: "We may disagree on the outcome, but we all agreed on the process. Our democratic institutions are really strong. We feel our democratic traditions keenly. Together we did something that seemed impossible. That is something to be proud of." 01.20am update: O'Neill calls for United Ireland Northern Irish Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill has used her first post Brexit tweet to call for Ireland to be united. Ms O'Neill tweeted: The issue of Irish Unity has taken on a new dynamic because of Brexit
The momentum of change is moving in that direction.
We are entering into a decade of opportunity, one in which the freedom to choose our own future will be decided by the people of this island alone.
Brexit supporters in front of the Winston Chruchill statue
Friday January 31 11.50pm update: Message from Woody Johnson US Ambassor Woody Johnson had tweeted a video mesage adding: "The countdown is on! The UK officially leaves the EU at 11pm tonight. My message to the United Kingdom is a simple one: you have no greater friend, ally and partner than the United States." 11.25pm update: 'Ambitious, confident and optimistic' Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary Dominic Raab has tweeted: "The United Kingdom has left the European Union. We’re ambitious, confident and optimistic for our future - as masters of our own destiny, and a force for good in the world." Mr Raab used emojis for the UK and EU flags. 11.15pm update: Johnson tweets Moments after the clock struck 11pm, Mr Johnson tweeted: "Tonight we have left the EU - an extraordinary turning point in the life of this country. Let us come together now to make the most of all the opportunities Brexit will bring - and let’s unleash the potential of the whole UK." He closed off with a union jack emoji. 11.02pm update: God Save The Queen rings out in Parliament Square Brexiteers in Parliament Square broke out into a rendition of God Save The Queen after the clock struck 11. 11.00pm update: The UK has left the EU The front of Downing Street has an image of Big Ben projected onto it and pre-recorded sounds of the bell play. The United Kingdom is no longer a member of the European Union. 10.50pm update: Johnson praises Barclay Mr Johnson has written to Stephen Barclay, whose position as Brexit Secretary will not exist at 11pm. The PM said Mr Barclay could take "particular pride" in his work in the role and thanked him for "working tirelessly".
Nigel Farage spoke in Parliament Square
10.40pm update: Live countdown The 10 Downing Street account has posted a video on Twitter showing a live countdown until 11pm. The colours of the union jack and the time remaining is projected on to the front of the building. 10.35pm update: 'Our United Kingdom' Mr Johnson concludes: “And when I look at this country’s incredible assets, our scientists, our engineers, our world leading universities, our armed forced, when I look at the potential of this country waiting to be unleashed, I know that we can turn this opportunity into a stunning success. “And whatever the bumps in the road ahead, I know that we will succeed. “We have obeyed the will of the people. We have taken the tools of self-government. “Now is the time to use those tools to unleash the full potential of tis brilliant country and to make better the lives of everyone in every corner of our United Kingdom.” 10.30pm update: PM sets out future vision Reiterating the "recaptured soverignity", Mr Johnson explained: “And if we can get this right, I believe that with every month that goes by, we will grow in confidence, not just at home, but abroad and in our diplomacy, our fight against climate change, our campaigns for human rights, female education, we will rediscover muscles that we have not used for decades. “The power of independent thought and action, not because we want to detract from anything done by our EU friends. Of course not. “We just want this to the be the beginning of a new era of friendly cooperation between the EU and an energetic Britain, a Britain that is simultaneously a great European power and truly global in our range and ambitions.”
Britain is now longer a member of the European Union
10.25pm update: Johnson talks of levelling up With the Tories taking seats from Labour's 'red wall', Mr Johnson has spoken of "levelling up" with the cabinet meeting in Sunderland symbolising that. In his speech, the Prime Minister said: "And yet this moment is far bigger than that. “It’s not just about some legal extrication. “It is potentially a moment of real national renewal and change. “This is the dawn of a new era in which we longer accept that your life chances, you family’s life chances should depend on which part of the country you grow up in. “This is the moment when we really begin to unite and level up, defeating crime, transforming our NHS and with better education, with superb technology and with the biggest revival of our infrastructure since the Victorians, we will spread hope and opportunity to every part of the UK.” 10.15pm update: EU going in a direction that 'no longer suits' UK Mr Johnson's speech set out ways in which Britian could excercise this soverignity: “Whether that is by controlling immigration or creating free ports or liberating our fishing industry or doing free trade deals or simply making our laws and rules for the benefit of the people of this country. “And of course, I think that is the right and healthy and democratic thing to do, because for all its strengths and for all its admirable qualities, the EU has evolved over 50 years in a direction that no longer suits this country. “And that is a judgement, you, the people, have now confirmed at the polls, not once, but twice.” 10.10pm update: 'New act in our great national drama' Mr Johnson continued: “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 in our great national drama. “And yes, it’s partly about using these new powers, this recaptured sovereignty to deliver the changes people voted for.” 10.00pm update: 'Astonishing moment of hope' In a speech posted on the 10 Downing Street Twitter account, Mr Johnson said: “Tonight, we are leaving the European Union. “For many people, this is an astonishing moment of hope, a moment they thought would never come. “And there are manny, of course, who feel a sense of anxiety and loss. “And then there’s a third group, perhaps the biggest, who started to worry that the whole political wrangle would never come to an end. “I understand all those feelings and our job as a government, my job is to bring this country together now and take us forward.” Gursimran Hans has taken over live reporting from Carly Read. 9.40pm update: Remainer activists hold 'tragic' vigil as they mark Brexit Day with 'mourning EU ceremony' Hundreds of anti-Brexit activists have decided to mark the day Britain officially leaves the EU by holding several candlelight vigils to "mourn" the Brexit decision, more than three years after the original referendum. Anti-Brexit activists held several candlelight vigils across the country tonight as Remainers signal their "mourning" over Brexit. Britain is set to officially leave the European Union tonight at 23:00 GMT, to the delight of Brexiteers who are gathering in Parliament Square. However, vigils across Wales, Cornwall, Scotland and Oxfordshire have been organised to celebrate Britain's 47-year membership of the EU.
Little Ben was responsible for much of the noise in Parliament Square today
9.20pm update: ‘Little Ben’ makes big noise at Brexit Day bask in Parliament Square A modified Victorian cart featuring a small church bell and drum was responsible for much of the noise in Parliament Square. Called Little Ben, the cart belongs to David and Nancy Waller, who have travelled down from Shropshire to take part in the Brexit Celebration. Mr Waller, 59, said the cart cost about £500 to restore and build, thanks to a "Brexiteer" blacksmith who donated his services for free. He said the bell, which people have been ringing throughout the evening, was found in a salvage yard but was originally forged at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London. Mr Waller said: "We have come here because we are great supporters of democracy. At one stage we thought it was all over, but it ain't now." 8.40pm update: EU must deliver - says Commission chief on Brexit Day Brexit shows the bloc must deliver for its citizens and its leaders must stand up for the project or else risk it failing, the head of the European Union's executive, Ursula von der Leyen, said today. Britain leaves the EU at 2300 GMT on Friday after nearly half a century of close-knit cooperation, marking a victory for eurosceptics and dealing a major blow to post-World War Two European integration. Reflecting on the lessons of Brexit, European Commission President von der Leyen told broadcaster ARD: "We must stand up for Europe, otherwise at some point we won't have it any more." "Europe must deliver on the biggest questions - that's what we need the European level for," she added. 8.10pm update: Scots tell UK ‘we don’t want your Brexit!’ "We don't want your Brexit" was the message for Boris Johnson at a rally outside the Scottish Parliament marking the UK leaving the EU. Rallies and candlelit vigils are among events taking place across Scotland on Brexit day. Leave A Light On gatherings are taking place in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Stirling, among other locations, as participants send a message to the EU not to forget Scotland. SNP MP and former MEP Alyn Smith, who used a speech in the European Parliament to urge members to "leave a light on for Scotland", told the crowd outside Holyrood: "Scotland is a European nation and European we shall remain." 7.40pm update: Clouds that look like the UK spotted on Brexit Day sunset Clouds that look like the UK have been spotted by eagle-eyed Twitter users as the sun sets on Brexit Day. Social media users shared images of the clouds - albeit without Northern Ireland - that dances across the sky in the final hours of Britain’s membership in the EU.
Warming up for later. Cheers! pic.twitter.com/hN1zGHzL5R — Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) January 31, 2020
7pm update: Scots defy Brexit to light their Government headquarters up in EU flag colours Scotland has defied the result of the EU referendum and lit its Government headquarters up in the colours of the EU flag, sparking outrage. The Scottish Government tweeted: “FM @NicolaSturgeon has asked our European friends and neighbours to #LeaveALightOn for Scotland. “Tonight the Scottish Government headquarters in Edinburgh have been lit up in the colours of the EU flag.” One commenter said: “Was there a vote on this??” Another, referring to Nicola Sturgeon, added: “Tell her to get on with the day job.” 6.52pm update: Twitter turns on Theresa May after Brexit tweet Theresa May has triggered a wave of derision on social media after hailing Britain's departure from the EU - only for sceptics to tell the former Prime Minister: "You didn't do anything!" Mrs May, who was replaced by Boris Johnson in the summer, moved into Downing Street in 2016 after winning the race to replace David Cameron - but her tenure was marked by Parliamentary gridlock, an election in which she lost her overall majority, and a failure to deliver on the original deadline of March 29, 2019. Nevertheless, she tweeted: “At 11pm tonight, Britain will leave the European Union. “After more than three years, we can finally say that we have delivered on the result of the 2016 referendum and have kept faith with the British people.” One commented: “You are having a laugh. “You did everything you could to ditch Brexit. You shouldn’t even be in office.” Another remarked: “We? You haven’t delivered anything Flower.” 6.40pm update: Huge crowds gather at Parliament Square for Brexit Day bash Crowds have started to gather at Parliament Square in London ahead of the planned Brexit Celebration later this evening. Dozens of people gathered around the Sir Winston Churchill statue, while others rang bells and banged a drum attached to a modified cart called "Little Ben". A music system has also been set up inside the back of a lorry on Parliament Street, with people dancing in a closed-off section of the street to music by Sir Tom Jones and Queen. As one man walked through the crowd with an EU flag draped over his shoulders, another man carrying the Union flag shouted at him: "Go away loser." Among the crowds were dozens of television camera crews and journalists.
The clouds set on Brexit Day
Sky News has projected this image onto the white cliffs of Dover
6.15pm update: Bitter Remainers scrawl across 50p coins in Brexit protest Remainers are scrawling ‘I love EU’ across 50 pence coins in protest of Brexit. Images on Twitter show the markings, with some giving tips on how to deface the coins. Others are taking their Brexit hatred further by scrapping off the front and back of the 50p coin. 5.45pm update: Remainers hurl abuse as Ann Widdecombe and Brexit Party arrive in London Brexit Party MEPs were met with abusive jeers from furious London Remainers as they alighted the Eurostar from Brussels at King's Cross St Pancras on Friday afternoon. Ann Widdecombe spearheaded an entourage of chipper British MEPs buoyed in the knowledge it would be their last-ever journey from Brussels to London as members of the European Union. But as the group arrived on British soil they were heckled by angry members of the public. One woman even threatened to spit at Ms Widdecombe. 5.31pm update: Macron issues scathing attack on Brexit hours before the UK leaves the EU French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a scathing attack on Brexit hours before the UK officially leaves the EU. Mr Macron said the 2016 EU referendum was based on “lies, exaggerations and cheques that were promised but never came”. He added the EU must be “reformed deeply”. 5pm update: Ireland to take tough stance on post-Brexit talks Ireland will take a very firm line in post-Brexit trade talks, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said. Fishing and farming communities will be protected during the upcoming negotiations, the Irish premier pledged. Around a third of Ireland's fish like mackerel and prawns comes from UK waters. Almost three quarters of UK fish is exported to the EU, the Taoiseach said. The Republic has a budget surplus to cushion it if a hard Brexit happens at the end of the year and damaged the economy. Mr Varadkar told Irish broadcaster RTE: "Having control of their own fishing grounds is not going to be much use to them unless they can export to the EU. "That is why it gets tied up with trade and we are going to take a very firm line on that to make sure that we protect our coastal communities and our fishing industry."
Parliament Square is bustling with pro-Brexit crowds
The Mall in London has been lined with Union Jacks
4.20pm update: EU mortgage approvals beat Brexit expectations UK mortgage approvals beat expectations in December. The Daily Telegraph reports that 67,200 were granted amid the so-called Brexit general election. Just 65,600 mortgages were expected throughout the period of uncertainty. 4.09pm update: Brexit supporters burn EU flag in London demonstration Brexit supporters have burned the European Union flag beside Downing Street in central London today as others jeered at pro-EU demonstrators in the final hours before the United Kingdom is due to leave the bloc. About 200-300 pro-European Union supporters were mocked by pro-Brexit supporters as they walked from Downing Street to the office of the European Commission in London. Police formed a line to keep the two groups apart. 3.45pm update: Protesting Remainers hijack Churchill statue Thousands of Remainers have flocked to the Winston Churchill statue in London to protest Brexit Day. Remainers waved EU flags and marched through the streets in the hours before the UK finally leaves the bloc, with placards reading the words ‘we’ll be back!’.
Churchill's statue was hijacked by a crowd
Angry Remainers have taken to the streets of London
3.12pm update: France and Italy causing Eurozone collapse France and Italy have caused Eurozone growth to crumble as both Paris and Rome’s economies continue to shrink, it has emerged. In the fourth quarter of 2019, economies in the two eu member state shrank unexpectedly with Spain beating expectations and the bloc’s overall growth recorded at a disappointing 0.1 percent. 2.38pm update: Remainers stage protest on Parliament Bridge Remainers have set off flares in a shock protest in Westminster - just hours before Boris Johnson delivers on his promise and the UK leaves the European Union at 11pm. Pictures have emerged showing protesters setting off the flares and holding a huge banner over the busy Westminster Bridge. The banner reads: “Here to stay. Here to fight.” 1.28pm update: John Redwood warns UK Government to be ‘firm and strong’ in trade negotiations with EU The Conservative MP and Brexiteer said: “The new Parliament has a clear majority to leave, and a clear majority that Leave means an exit from the single market and Customs Union as well as from the EU Treaty which we leave this week. That is all very positive. “It is important now that the UK government is firm and strong, as well as polite and positive in its dealings with the EU. “There must be no sacrifice of our fish, no offers of more money, no acceptance of continuing ECJ jurisdiction. “They need a Free Trade Agreement more than we do, and are more likely to grant one if we are firm. The UK has given far too much ground in past negotiations under Mrs May. “The new team should table a Free Trade Agreement and explain we do not have to pay to trade.” 12.45pm update: Keir Starmer vows to bring back freedom of movement for EU citizens Labour leadership hopeful Keir Starmer has said he would “bring back” freedom of movement for EU nationals. Sir Keir, the current frontrunner in the Labour leadership campaign, has said he would “make the case for freedom of movement” if he replaces Jeremy Corbyn as leader. While giving a Brexit Day speech at Westminster Cathedral, the shadow Brexit minister urged Leave and Remain voters to come together and gave a passionate case for free movement. He said: “We have to make the case for freedom of movement.”
Brexit news: Sir Keir Starmer would 'bring back' freedom of movement for EU nationals
12.42pm update: Boris Johnson to host Brexit Day reception in Downing Street The Prime Minister’s spokesman said Guests will include cabinet ministers, No 10 advisers and civil servants, officials who were involved in the Brexit negotiations, and supporters of the 2016 campaign to leave the EU. They will be served English sparkling wine and a selection of canapes including fillet of lamb on toast, Shropshire blue cheese, beef and Yorkshire pudding with horseradish sauce, mushrooms tarts and roast chicken skewers. No 10 will be lit up with a clock counting down to Brexit at 11pm. 12.40pm update: Irish politician who cut off Farage’s mic claims some of his colleagues agreed with her Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness, who is First Vice-President of the European Parliament, turned off Mr Farage's mic mid-sentence during a speech about leaving the EU in the European Parliament earlier this week for disobeying parliament rules by waving a Union flag. She could be heard saying: "Please sit down, resume your seats, put your flags away, you're leaving. "And take them with you if you're leaving now. Goodbye." Ms McGuinness said: "The reason I cut the mic off was to stop a circus, it's a parliament, not a circus. "Politics is a serious business and Nigel Farage has used the platform of our parliament to destroy the European Union. "If by doing what I did reinforces the dignity of the parliament, that's my job. "I would say that afterwards, some of the people in his grouping came over and said that they disliked what he did and that he did it. "When you're not in the chamber it can be hard to judge the moment, but I have to judge the moment carefully, and we have a rule in the house that no flags are to be shown except the two behind the podium, and the president insists on that, and I'm under orders." 12.11pm update: Raise a pint to Brexit! Wetherspoons cut prices on 10 drinks to celebrate leaving EU Weatherspoon pubs will sell cheaper drinks to mark Britain's withdrawal from the EU today as chairman Tim Martin is "keen to celebrate Brexit". has slashed the prices of a number of European drinks today, in order to mark the historic day. He told Express.co.uk the move was a “gesture of reconciliation” as the promotion offers customers a discount of around 60p on 10 drinks that originate from Europe and the UK, including the Spanish beer Estrella Galicia and Jameson Irish Whiskey. The chairman of the popular food and drink chain said he expects today will be busier than usual, as “people will either be rejoicing or drowning their sorrows”.
The EU flag was removed from the UK's embassy in Brussels
Eurozone prelim. Q4 Flash estimate for Q4 2019 comes in at 0.1% as expected.
National readings however surprised quite a bit:
While there was so much concern about an economic setback in Germany ������������, it was France ������������(-0.1%) and Italy ������������ (-0.3%) that recorded negative readings. — Katharina Utermöhl (@Economist_Kat) January 31, 2020
Brexit Day news: Nigel Farage will lead celebrations in London later today
11.58am update: EU’s longest-serving MEP dubs Brexit ‘profound mistake’ Liberal Democrat Bill Newton Dunn, who served in the first European Parliament in 1979, said he is very worried for "the man on the street" after Brexit if the UK is hit by job losses and price hikes. He told the PA news agency: "I think the rich Tories will look after themselves - they've got the tax havens. "But it is the man in the street in the UK who may lose his job or the prices might start rising if sterling falls, so I am worried." He added: "I am very, very worried for the UK. "I think it is a profound mistake in history, if you are going to do something you need to have a plan for what you are going to do next." 11.37am update: Gold commemorative Brexit 50p coins already sold out The coins, which were produced in a limited edition of 1,500 and are priced at £945, were no longer available to buy from there Royal Mint website this morning. A limited-edition two-coin set - with a historic 1973 50p marking the UK's accession into the European Economic Community and a new 2020 50p marking the withdrawal from the European Union - has also sold out. The Royal Mint was operating a queueing system just to get on its website this morning as demand for the coins surged. Around three million Brexit 50p coins were entering banks, post offices and shops. A further seven million of the coins, minted to mark the UK's departure from the EU, will enter circulation later this year.
Brexit Day news: Gold commemorative Brexit 50p coins have already sold out
10.36am update: Ireland to take ‘very firm line’ in post-Brexit trade talks - Varadkar Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has warned the country will take a “very firm line” in post-Brexit trade talks and has pledged to protect the fishing and farming communities in the upcoming negotiations. Around a third of Ireland's fish, such as mackerel and prawns, come from UK waters, while the Taoiseach added almost three quarters of UK fish are exported to the EU. He told Irish broadcaster RTE: "Having control of their own fishing grounds is not going to be much use to them unless they can export to the EU. "That is why it gets tied up with trade and we are going to take a very firm line on that to make sure that we protect our coastal communities and our fishing industry." Mr Varadkar added: "It is not done yet, it is not over and the next phase is the negotiation of the trade agreement between the EU and UK. "That is absolutely essential for Irish farmers, for the rural economy, for our fishermen, for 200,000 people working in export industries across Ireland and it is also going to be essential in terms of getting the rating, the revenues and the strong economy that we need to invest in health and housing." 10.27am update: SNP to double campaign budget to push for second Scottish independence vote Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Our party campaign is therefore ready to ramp up. “We aim to double the SNP campaign budget this year to support new independence materials, local newspaper adverts and a new campaign film focused on undecided voters. "It is vital that as we campaign we listen and engage respectfully. "There are many people out there who voted No in 2014 now thinking about independence differently in light of Brexit. "We must show that we understand the complexity of the issues they grapple with and that, for many, emotions will be mixed. "So, we must make our case with passion but also with patience and respect. We must never stoop to the level of our political opponents."
Brexit Day news: Leo Varadkar warned Ireland will take a 'very firm line' in trade deal talks
10.23am update: How leading politicians involved in Brexit will be celebrating Matt Chorley, editor of The Times’ Red Box podcast, has been asking senior figures involved in Brexit how they will celebrate tonight. Former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "Strangely as a Remainer I want to paint the town red. So bloody fed up with it." Theresa May has constituency engagements, but Said Lidington, who was the former Prime Minister’s deputy, said he will be "playing some music: Bach, Mahler or Beethoven - to remind myself that we may be leaving the EU but will always be part of Europe". When asked how he is marking Brexit, Sir Keir Starmer, the frontrunner in the Labour leadership race, snapped: “I don’t know! “My diary is completely controlled by my campaign team. I suspect I’ll be spending the evening in a hotel bar in Bristol preparing for the following day’s leadership hustings.” Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson will be "listening to an AC/DC tribute band in Birmingham. As the lyrics go : 'dirty deeds, done dirt cheap’, while Ruth Davidson said it is a “normal working day for me”. Peter Mandelson will be "reflecting on the huge success of Britain’s past membership of the EU and the need to maintain close ties to those with whom we have such strong common interests". But when David Cameron, who called the referendum in 2016 and quit as Prime Minister following the Brexit vote, would be doing, he replied: “Ha! Nice try!” 10.10am update: Brexit Day ‘not to be celebrated’ - Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo told Spanish TVE: "My government and most of the citizens of Gibraltar have deep regrets about what is about to happen. "For us, today is not a day to be celebrated and I know it is the same for a lot of people in the Spanish area around Gibraltar who also wanted Gibraltar to stay in the EU." 10.08am update: ‘Sadness will be tinged with anger’ over Brexit - Sturgeon Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Tonight, the UK will leave the European Union. That will be a moment of profound sadness for many of us across the UK. And here in Scotland, given that it is happening against the will of the vast majority of us, that sadness will be tinged with anger. "I want to focus on something much more important. Hope of a different and better future for Scotland. “After tonight, that future is only open to us with independence. Our task is to persuade a majority of people in Scotland to choose it."
Brexit Day news: Nicola Sturgeon said the 'profound sadness' of Brexit will be 'tinged with anger' in Scotland
10.04am update: Von der Leyen in fresh warning to UK over trade deal talks European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the BBC: “We want to work together as close as possible. The crucial part is the single market. “There is a clear trade-off - the closer the UK wants to be to the single market, the more they have to respect the rules of the single market. "If they do not want to respect the rules and the standards of the single market, the more distant, of course, they will be. "So, this is the room where we have to negotiate." 9.38am update: ‘We can make a success of the choice we make’ - David Cameron The former Prime Minister, who called the 2016 referendum and quit after the vote for Brexit, told Sky News: "It's obviously a very big day for our country. "I always accepted the referendum result and knew this day would come. “We are one of the biggest economies in the world - we can make a success of the choice that we make and I'm sure that's exactly what we will do." 9.33am update: ‘It’s an emotional day’ - Ursula von der Leyen The European Commission President told the BBC: "It is a story of old friends and new beginnings now. "It is an emotional day but I'm looking forward to the next stage." Ms von der Leyen also warned negotiations on a future trade deal will be “tough” but added “we want to be the closest friends and partners you can think of”.
Brexit Day news: Ursula von der Leyen said it was an 'emotional day'
9.28am update: EU Presidents say they had ‘always deeply regretted’ the UK's decision to leave European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council leader Charles Michel and European Parliament President David Sassoli wrote in a joint letter published in several newspapers: For us, today will inevitably be a day of reflection and mixed emotions - as it will for so many. "Our thoughts are with all of those who have helped to make the EU what it is today. "Those who are concerned about their future or disappointed to see the UK leave. "Those British members of our institutions who helped to shape policies that made lives better for millions of Europeans. "We will think of the UK and its people, their creativity, ingenuity, culture, and traditions, that have been a vital part of our union's tapestry." 9.23am update: ‘Every choice has a consequence’ - EU leaders warn UK of Brexit consequences European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council leader Charles Michel and European Parliament President David Sassoli said in a joint letter published in several newspapers the three bodies would do all in their power to make the EU's future partnership with Britain a success. But they warned the closeness of that partnership would hinge on decisions to be taken in the 11-month transitional period, "because every choice has a consequence". They wrote: "Without the free movement of people, there can be no free movement of capital, goods and services. "Without a level playing field on environment, labour, taxation and state aid, there cannot be the highest quality access to the single market. "Without being a member, you cannot retain the benefits of membership."
Brexit Day news: Michel Barnier will reveal the EU’s draft mandate for negotiations with the UK on Monday
9.18am update: ‘Chaos’ at Dublin Port if post-Brexit processes don’t work Ireland’s Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said three large ferries arrive each day, each unloading 8km of trucks in a 15-minute period. He warned: "What we need now for the next 12 months is more intensive negotiation to try to make sure that potential friction - that Dublin Port would be at the coalface of - is minimised to the maximum extent possible," he said. The Tanaiste added: "There is the potential for chaos here in terms of logjams and traffic if the new systems don't work. I am confident that they will. "Ireland has come together to work together to make sure that our country is as ready for the new reality as possible and, on Brexit day, I think it is important to remind everybody of the fundamental change that we are now preparing for in the context of the relationship between Ireland and the UK from a trading perspective. "From next Monday on, the second half of the negotiations will begin to make sure that we get a trade deal and arrangement in place that can allow the 17 billion euro of trade between Ireland and UK each year to continue to be facilitated, and the 200,000 jobs connected with that trade be protected, and the 40,000 Irish companies that trade with the UK every month, many of whom do it every single week or day, that that can continue in a post-Brexit environment." 9.14am update: EU plan for trade talks with UK to be revealed on Monday BBC Brussels correspondent Adam Fleming tweeted: “The EU’s draft mandate for negotiations with the UK will be launched with a press conference by @michelbarnier on Monday.” Boris Johnson wants to agree a full trade deal with the EU before the end of the transition period in December 2020. But several EU leaders have warned this tight timeframe makes that ambition impossible to achieve.
Brexit: Boris Johnson says UK will make 'dignified exit' from EU
8.57am update: Australia eyeing post-Brexit trade deal by the end of 2020 Australia wants to finalise a post-Brexit trade agreement with the UK before the end of this year, a government minister has said. The Australian minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said Canberra was looking to an agreement which "essentially eliminated tariffs, quotas, trade barriers as much as is possible". In a boost to Boris Johnson, he added Australia was ready to go "as soon as the UK was ready to start”. Two-way trade between the UK and Australia was worth £13.8billion in 2018, according to the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Mr Birmingham told ABC Radio Adelaide that Brexit has felt like "a never-ending story" but added there was desire to strike an agreement. "Australia would love to see an agreement that essentially eliminated tariffs, quotas, trade barriers as much as is possible. "But of course it's a negotiation and that will depend upon the perspective that the UK take. Now, there's goodwill on both sides to get this agreement done quickly. "I think there is goodwill for it to be an ambitious agreement, but just how far the UK will go in terms of tariff and quota elimination, we'll have to see." He added: "These types of trade agreements often take many years, but I have reinforced to our trade officials - and I think the same is felt on the UK side - that everyone wants to seize the goodwill, the momentum that's there and also to try to get it done before that final deadline (at the end of 2020).” 8.45am update: Queen’s Brexit Day plans REVEALED The Queen will spend the day at Sandringhamn, her private estate in Norfolk, where she is spending her annual winter break. Her Majesty will spend the day as normal, dealing with official documents, such as Cabinet and State papers, delivered to her in her famous "red boxes". She may also be sending birthday wishes to her distant cousin Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, formerly Queen Beatrix, who celebrates turning 82 on January 31. The Queen has already given Royal Assent to the legislation for Boris Johnson's Brexit deal, which the Prime Minister hailed as crossing the "Brexit finish line". But unlike Mr Johnson, she is not expected to make a statement to the nation regarding Brexit.
Brexit Day news: British flags seen behind the Winston Churchill statue outside of the Houses of Parliament
8.41am update: Brexit Day protests and celebrations expected in Ireland A series of protests have been planned along the Irish border. Protests will take place at six points along the Irish border by the organisation Border Communities Against Brexit, from Carrickarnon just south of Newry to Aughnacloy in Co Tyrone, Aghalane and Blacklion in Co Fermanagh, the Strabane/Lifford border and Bridgend in Co Londonderry. Anti-Brexit campaigners will stage a demonstration at Stormont, before Brexit supporters will throw a celebration party at the gates of the seat of Northern Ireland's devolved government from 10.30pm for a count down to 11pm. 8.37am update: SNP says ‘fanciful to believe’ Johnson will complete comprehensive EU trade deal this year The party’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford has cast doubt on the credibility of the Prime Minister's trade deal objectives, as he predicted there "could still be an extension to the transition". He told the PA news agency: “As things stand the transition expires at the end of this year. “I cannot believe that the UK is going to be able to complete a comprehensive trade arrangement with the EU by the end of this year. "There is no evidence that suggests that that is a tenable target. There is no nation that has achieved a trade agreement with the UK in such a timeframe, it's - I would almost say it's impossible. "So there are some real questions for the UK to answer as to whether or not there could still be an extension to the transition. I just don't think it's a credible position, the one that he's got."
Brexit Day news: Brexit in Daily Express front pages
Brexit Day: Thank you to the Express
8.28am update: Ireland in huge warning to Boris Johnson over post-Brexit trade deal Foreign Minister Simon Coveney has warned that without a "level playing field" there will be no EU trade deal with Britain post-Brexit. Leo Varadkar’s deputy said any diversion from Britain on workers' rights or competition rules will see negotiations for a future trading relationship with the EU scuppered. He told the PA news agency: "There won't be a trade deal if there isn't a level playing field, one that is robust and credible. "Standards will have to be maintained in regards to environmental standards, or workers' rights and so on. "That is only half of the challenge, the other half is around fair competition. If the UK is trying to derive a competitive advantage for its own companies in order to trade into the EU - if that's the objective there will be no trade deal." 8.14am update: EU laws that won’t apply from 11pm on Friday REVEALED – but Leave voters left disappointed Britain will finally leave the European Union at 11pm, with Boris Johnson hailing Brexit as a landmark moment in the country's history, but like the intense negotiations over the past three years, Britain's relationship from the EU is far from over. The UK will now enter a transition period until the end of 2020, in which time Mr Johnson wants to agree a full free trade agreements with Brussels, although several EU leaders fear the short timeframe makes this impossible. The true reason behind the tight timeframe and the desperate attempts from Mr Johnson to break free from the EU have now been revealed - and it means Britain will be in a “strange limbo state”, becoming a “third country” and a “rule taker” - at least for the next 11 months.
Brexit Day news: Simon Coveney sent another warning to Boris Johnson over a UK-EU trade deal
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-31--Lone Brexiteer takes hilarious swipe at 'mardy' Remainers in row over Brexit Day on BBC QT

The panel was made up of the Tory MP James Cleverly , and Labour ’ s shadow housing minister Sarah Jones , who is also an MP for Croydon .
President of the National Farmers ’ Union Minette Batters , businessman and entrepreneur Sacha Lord and comedian and writer Geoff Norcott also joined host Ms Bruce in the Brexit heartlands of Derbyshire .
One Brexiteer in the audience asked a brilliant question last night ahead of a day of celebration on Friday .
The audience member said : “ Are those who voted remain being mardy or are they justified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The question managed to garner some chuckles from the panel .
Ms Bruce asked the audience member , “ what do you think ?
” He replied : “ I ’ m just glad we can move forward now .
“ I think the general election gave 650 MPs the ‘ grow-up ’ tablet .
“ I was sick of the bickering .
“ If we ’ d implemented the result we got in the referendum we ’ d be far further ahead as a country now.
” READ MORE : Fiona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Tory MP takes over Ms Bruce then asked Geoff Norcott what his opinion was of the audience member ’ s question .
Before the comedian could answer , Ms Bruce said that she loved the word “ mardy ” .
Mr Norcott said : “ In a weird way , the Remainers who did the stock piler-ing , are in the best position to throw a party .
“ They have got all the food , all the drugs .
“ I think that it ’ s interesting now .
It feels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It almost feels like - do you remember that film The Truman Show where it just sort of finished and then everyone started watching something else ?
“ And I ’ m glad we ’ re at that point because there ’ s been so much rancour over the years and I think the vast majority of people lean one way or the other .
“ And weirdly at this point I ’ m sort of thinking back to referendum day because we ’ ve all got lost in other arguments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about at the time .
“ And I didn ’ t go there with any ill will in my heart .
I went there , I wasn ’ t thinking about our empire , I wasn ’ t feeling anything xenophobic , I definitely wasn ’ t thinking about blue passports - but they are the best colour passport , but that ’ s another issue .

Question Time audience member mocks ‘mardy’ Remainers
The panel was made up of the Tory MP James Cleverly, and Labour’s shadow housing minister Sarah Jones, who is also an MP for Croydon. President of the National Farmers’ Union Minette Batters, businessman and entrepreneur Sacha Lord and comedian and writer Geoff Norcott also joined host Ms Bruce in the Brexit heartlands of Derbyshire.
One Brexiteer in the audience asked a brilliant question last night ahead of a day of celebration on Friday. The audience member said: “Are those who voted remain being mardy or are they justified in trying to curtail celebrations tomorrow?” The question managed to garner some chuckles from the panel. Ms Bruce asked the audience member, “what do you think?”
Brexit news: Lone Brexiteer takes hilarious swipe at 'mardy' Remainers in row over Brexit Day
One Brexiteer in the audience asked a brilliant question last night
He replied: “I’m just glad we can move forward now. “I think the general election gave 650 MPs the ‘grow-up’ tablet. “I was sick of the bickering. “If we’d implemented the result we got in the referendum we’d be far further ahead as a country now.” READ MORE: Fiona Bruce forced to intervene on BBC QT as Tory MP takes over
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Ms Bruce then asked him whether he would like to see big celebrations
Ms Bruce then asked Geoff Norcott what his opinion was
“I think that it’s interesting now. It feels oddly chilled out in a strange way"
Ms Bruce then asked Geoff Norcott what his opinion was of the audience member’s question. Before the comedian could answer, Ms Bruce said that she loved the word “mardy”. Mr Norcott said: “In a weird way, the Remainers who did the stock piler-ing, are in the best position to throw a party. “They have got all the food, all the drugs. “I think that it’s interesting now. It feels oddly chilled out in a strange way.
There were many debates on the show
“It almost feels like - do you remember that film The Truman Show where it just sort of finished and then everyone started watching something else? “And I’m glad we’re at that point because there’s been so much rancour over the years and I think the vast majority of people lean one way or the other. “And weirdly at this point I’m sort of thinking back to referendum day because we’ve all got lost in other arguments that maybe we weren’t thinking about at the time. “And I didn’t go there with any ill will in my heart. I went there, I wasn’t thinking about our empire, I wasn’t feeling anything xenophobic, I definitely wasn’t thinking about blue passports - but they are the best colour passport, but that’s another issue.
Ms Bruce asked the audience member, “what do you think?”
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-31--BBC Question Time audience erupts as Tory comedian makes point over Northern Rail crisis

The panel was made up of the Tory MP James Cleverly , and Labour ’ s shadow housing minister Sarah Jones , who is also an MP for Croydon .
President of the National Farmers ’ Union Minette Batters , businessman and entrepreneur Sacha Lord and comedian and writer Geoff Norcott also joined host Ms Bruce in the Brexit heartlands of Derbyshire .
The first audience question which opened the show was based around the Northern Rail ’ s recent nationalisation .
An audience member asked : “ Should the department of transport and the treasury be to blame for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour MP Ms Jones said that nationalisation “ made sense ” and that she did not understand why it had not been done before .
The question was then eventually directed at right-wing comedian and former school teacher Geoff Norcott who made a hilarious point about Northern Rail and the state of transportation in the north of England .
He said : “ I think it ’ s interesting , this sort of predicted ‘ far right Boris Johnson Government ’ .
“ And one of the first acts is to nationalise a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ ve given a lot of stick to Jeremy Corbyn over the years .
“ This is maybe an area where he has won the argument .
The audience then erupted with laughter at the hilarious quip from the comedian .
Ms Bruce then pointed out that everyone in the audience appeared to nod in agreement with Mr Norcott ’ s point .
She said : “ Almost everybody is nodding their head here in the studio audience !
” “ And you look at services - you know connecting Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brilliant staff and a heroic commitment to buffet carts , even on a single carriage train .
“ However , you know you talk about connecting the north with London , how about connecting the north with the north ?
” The audience erupted with applause once again and nodded in agreement .
Mr Norcott is an English comedian , writer and political commentator .

Question Time: Geoff Norcott jokes about northern rail crisis
The panel was made up of the Tory MP James Cleverly, and Labour’s shadow housing minister Sarah Jones, who is also an MP for Croydon. President of the National Farmers’ Union Minette Batters, businessman and entrepreneur Sacha Lord and comedian and writer Geoff Norcott also joined host Ms Bruce in the Brexit heartlands of Derbyshire.
The first audience question which opened the show was based around the Northern Rail’s recent nationalisation. An audience member asked: “Should the department of transport and the treasury be to blame for the failure of Northern Rail?” Labour MP Ms Jones said that nationalisation “made sense” and that she did not understand why it had not been done before. The question was then eventually directed at right-wing comedian and former school teacher Geoff Norcott who made a hilarious point about Northern Rail and the state of transportation in the north of England.
BBC Question Time audience erupts as Tory comedian makes point over Northern Rail crisis
The first audience question which opened the show was based around Northern Rail
He said: “I think it’s interesting, this sort of predicted ‘far right Boris Johnson Government’. “And one of the first acts is to nationalise a rail provider. “So in fairness, I’ve given a lot of stick to Jeremy Corbyn over the years. “This is maybe an area where he has won the argument. READ MORE: BBC Question Time LIVE: Brexit Day celebrations spark fierce debate
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The question was then eventually directed at right-wing comedian and former school teacher Norcott
Mr Norcott is an English comedian, writer and political commentator
The audience then erupted with laughter at the hilarious quip from the comedian. Ms Bruce then pointed out that everyone in the audience appeared to nod in agreement with Mr Norcott’s point. She said: “Almost everybody is nodding their head here in the studio audience!” Mr Norcott added: “What’s the prejudice against side-to-side?!
The audience erupted with applause once again and nodded in agreement
“And you look at services - you know connecting Manchester and Sheffield - that TransPennine Express has brilliant staff and a heroic commitment to buffet carts, even on a single carriage train. “However, you know you talk about connecting the north with London, how about connecting the north with the north?” The audience erupted with applause once again and nodded in agreement. Mr Norcott is an English comedian, writer and political commentator.
Mr Norcott has claimed to be the only outwardly Tory Party voter on the British comedy circuit
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-31--Brexit news: The SEVEN biggest changes which take effect from 11pm on Brexit Day TODAY

The Brexit countdown is just hours from being over and as of Friday , January 31 at 11pm , the UK will no longer be an official member of the European Union .
Today is a historic day for Britain as the UK is released from its EU shackles .
Immediately after that time , the country will enter into an 11-month transition period .
But what are the seven biggest changes which will take effect in the immediate aftermath of Britain ’ s departure from the EU ?
The EU currently has 28 member states , all of whom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are 751 MEPs , with 73 of those being the UK ’ s representatives .
Among this group of 73 , there are a number of renowned faces , including Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage and Ann Widdecombe .
With the UK ’ s exit from the EU , these 73 individuals will automatically lose their seats in the European Parliament because , at the exact moment of Brexit , the UK leaves all of the EU ’ s political institutions and agencies .
However , in addition to the UK following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Court of Justice will continue to have the final say over legal disputes .
READ MORE : Brexit deal EXPLAINED : What does Brexit REALLY mean for you and me ?
• Brexit explained : What does Brexit mean for UK pensioners in Europe ?
EU Council summits are meetings held by members of the EU throughout the year .
The next Special European Council meeting is due to be held on February 20 .
But if Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to be invited , he will have to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU Council summits in the future .
British ministers will also no longer attend regular EU meetings that decide things such as fishing limits .
The moment the UK leaves the European Union , the negotiations about the future relationship between the UK and EU will begin .
The countdown to Brexit has been a key discussion point in the news agenda for the past few years since the 2016 Brexit Referendum , but now the talk is expected to concern the future trading relationship between the UK and EU .
Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of 2020 , although some politicians from the EU have said this is unlikely .
The UK will also be free to begin talks with other countries around the world about setting new rules for the buying and selling of goods and services .
Previously , the UK was banned from holding formal trade negotiations with countries like the US and Australia while it remained an EU member .
Brexiteers have argued this freedom will enable the UK to have the freedom to set its own trade policy will boost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ N'T MISS Brexit explained : Will I need a visa to travel to Europe after Brexit ?
[ INSIGHT ] Brexit explained : What does Brexit mean for holidays ?
[ EXPLAINER ] Brexit explained : What does Brexit mean for EU citizens ?
[ ANALYSIS ] • Brexit explained : What does Brexit mean for Northern Ireland ?
Blue passports which were retired more than 30 years ago will be back in business from the moment of Brexit .
The current burgundy design will be replaced by the iconic blue and gold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The new colour will be phased in over a number of months , with all new passports issued in blue by the middle of the year .
Existing burgundy passports will continue to be valid .
A special edition commemorative Brexit coin bearing the date January 31 and the inscripion will begin to enter circulation throughout 2020 .
However , the Royal Mint has said it will put up three coins for sale on Friday .
These coins will be available in gold , silver and brilliant uncirculated , priced up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will cost £945 each , while the 47,000 silver coins will be £60 each and the brilliant uncirculated 50p coins for £10 each .
Germany will not extradite its citizens to the UK Once the UK has left the EU , suspected criminals who take refuge in Germany and are requested for extradition to the UK will be denied .
Germany ’ s constitution does not allow its citizens to be extradited unless it ’ s to another EU country .
This means the moment the UK has left , they will no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is unclear if any other countries will copy Germany ’ s lead on this , for instance , Slovenia has said the situation is complicated and the European Commission has been unable to provide comment .
The UK Home Office claims the European Arrest Warrant will continue to apply during the transition period , which means Germany will be able to extradite non-German citizens .
However , it adds that if a country ’ s laws prevent extradition to the UK it “ will be expected to take over the trial or @ @ @ @ @ @

Brexit: Downing Street count down to UK's exit with light display
The Brexit countdown is now over and as of Friday, January 31 at 11pm, the UK was no longer be an official member of the European Union. Yesterday was a historic day for Britain as the UK was released from its EU shackles. Immediately after that time, the country entered into an 11-month transition period. But what are the seven biggest changes which took effect in the immediate aftermath of Britain’s departure from the EU?
MEPs lose their jobs The EU currently has 28 member states, all of whom have representatives called MEPs. In total there are 751 MEPs, with 73 of those being the UK’s representatives. Among this group of 73, there are a number of renowned faces, including Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage and Ann Widdecombe. With the UK’s exit from the EU, these 73 individuals automatically lost their seats in the European Parliament because, at the exact moment of Brexit, the UK leaves all of the EU’s political institutions and agencies. However, in addition to the UK following EU rules during the transition period, the European Court of Justice will continue to have the final say over legal disputes. READ MORE: Brexit deal EXPLAINED: What does Brexit REALLY mean for you and me?
Brexit news: Brexit is official from 11pm on Friday
Brexit news: MEPs celebrating their last day at the European Parliament
READ MORE Brexit explained: What does Brexit mean for UK pensioners in Europe? EU summits will stop EU Council summits are meetings held by members of the EU throughout the year. The next Special European Council meeting is due to be held on February 20. But if Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to be invited, he will have to be specially invited to join other leaders at EU Council summits in the future. British ministers will also no longer attend regular EU meetings that decide things such as fishing limits.
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Brexit news: The EU Council summit meetings will no longer include the UK except for special occasions
Trade talks The moment the UK left the European Union, the negotiations about the future relationship between the UK and EU began. The countdown to Brexit has been a key discussion point in the news agenda for the past few years since the 2016 Brexit Referendum, but now the talk is expected to concern the future trading relationship between the UK and EU. Mr Johnson has pledged to wrap up trade negotiations by the end of 2020, although some politicians from the EU have said this is unlikely. The UK will also be free to begin talks with other countries around the world about setting new rules for the buying and selling of goods and services. Previously, the UK was banned from holding formal trade negotiations with countries like the US and Australia while it remained an EU member. Brexiteers have argued this freedom will enable the UK to have the freedom to set its own trade policy will boost the UK’s economy. DON'T MISS
Brexit explained: Will I need a visa to travel to Europe after Brexit? [INSIGHT]
Brexit explained: What does Brexit mean for holidays? [EXPLAINER]
Brexit explained: What does Brexit mean for EU citizens? [ANALYSIS]
READ MORE Brexit explained: What does Brexit mean for Northern Ireland? UK passports change colour Blue passports which were retired more than 30 years ago will be back in business from the moment of Brexit. The current burgundy design will be replaced by the iconic blue and gold design which was first used in 1921. The new colour will be phased in over a number of months, with all new passports issued in blue by the middle of the year. Existing burgundy passports will continue to be valid.
Brexit news: The original blue and burgundy British passports
Brexit coins A special edition commemorative Brexit coin bearing the date January 31 and the inscripion will begin to enter circulation throughout 2020. However, the Royal Mint said it would put up three coins for sale on Friday. These coins were available in gold, silver and brilliant uncirculated, priced up to £945. The 1,500 gold Brexit coins will cost £945 each, while the 47,000 silver coins will be £60 each and the brilliant uncirculated 50p coins for £10 each.
READ MORE Ed Balls claims Brexit is to blame for Labour defeat The Brexit department will be decommissioned The Department for Exiting the European Union was shut down as of January 31 at 11pm GMT. The team in that government department have been in charge of handling the negotiations between the UK and EU for the UK’s exit, and making preparations for a No Deal exit. However, once the UK fficially left the UK, the department ceased to exist. This means current Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay lost his position in Mr Johnson’s cabinet.
Brexit news: Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will lose his role after Friday at 11pm
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