The United Kingdom has officially left the European Union’s economic and political system, completing a major change that has deeply divided the country and reshaped its global role.
At 11 p.m. in London on December 31, the Brexit transition period ended, taking the UK out of the EU’s single market and customs union.
Supporters say this gives Britain the freedom to seek new global opportunities on its own. Critics argue it undoes decades of cooperation with European neighbours, threatens the unity of the UK, weakens the economy, and reduces Britain’s influence.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson called it “an amazing moment,” saying the country now has the freedom to create its own future.
This moment came more than four years after the narrow 2016 referendum vote to leave the EU, which triggered political upheaval, ended the careers of two prime ministers, stirred division and xenophobia, and strained relations with Europe.
The UK and EU will now follow the rules outlined in their new Trade and Cooperation Agreement, a limited free-trade deal supported by additional agreements on energy, transport, policing, and security.
The deal avoids a messy break and allows goods to move between the UK and EU without tariffs or limits, protecting trade worth hundreds of billions. However, it introduces new regulations and paperwork for businesses.
Travel, work, and residency will also change for people moving between the UK and EU, with new visa rules now in effect.
Some celebrated the moment. Leading Brexit supporter Nigel Farage posted a photo of himself raising a glass, calling it “a giant leap forward.”
