Prime Minister Boris Johnson had one message that he insisted upon delivering through his campaign in the 2019 General Election. Whether he was on a televised debate, being interviewed, tweeting or giving statements, ‘Get Brexit Done’ was a phrase he delivered over and over. Getting re-elected as the Prime Minister on December 13th, 2019 gave him what he and so many Brexiteers had been chanting about for so long: a democratic mandate to go ahead with Brexit, gaining the largest Conservative majority since Margaret Thatcher. The price was a dire loss for Remainers and the People’s Vote campaign and a clumsy withdrawal deal, but it was a price paid nonetheless. As of 11 pm on January 31st, 2020, the UK begins the process of leaving the EU.

The journey to this moment saw Johnson’s predecessor, Theresa May, have her withdrawal deal rejected thrice in the House of Commons. Extension after extension, it seemed to the British electorate that Brexit was dominating Parliamentary agenda, with little to no other policy issues being priorities and taken care of. On the 29th of January however, the EU finally ratified the withdrawal agreement by 621 votes to 49. The UK’s Brexit Party MEPs said goodbye to European Parliament in the form of leader Nigel Farage’s aggressive speech, breaking the rules of the European Parliament by patriotically waving Union Jack flags.

Prime Minister Johnson sees Brexit day as a hopeful one, stating that “This is not an end, but a beginning.” He marks the withdrawal from the EU with a celebratory light show in Westminster, with thousands of Brexiteers gathering across the country to celebrate Brexit. They see it as a return to sovereignty and autonomy, with EU law no longer superior to British law.

Opposition leader, Labour party’s Jeremy Corbyn, whose party campaigned for a reformed withdrawal deal and a second referendum states that he hopes to see a united post-Brexit Britain. He hopes to see a post-Brexit Britain which continues to work with other countries to develop trade, improve rights and protections, and tackle the threat of climate catastrophe. He also reinforces that there should not be a ‘sell-out trade deal’ with President Trump regarding the NHS- one of Corbyn’s (and remainers) biggest concerns regarding Brexit.

This is a day of mourning for those who wished to remain or have a People’s Vote, however. Vigils were held across the nation, prominently in Scotland who originally voted to remain in the EU referendum. While Westminster holds a celebratory light show, the Scottish Government building displays blue and yellow lights to show solidarity with the EU. Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon clearly expresses her disapproval of Brexit in a letter to ‘European friends and neighbors’, stating “Scotland may lie on the edge of Europe, but we always have been – and want to remain – at its heart.” It is expected that Sturgeon will push for a second Scottish Independence referendum in the near future.

EU members express concern

While some members show support and share positivity, such as Estonian Prime Minister who says he intends to continue their ‘close friendship’ with the UK, other leaders are taking a more concerned reaction. Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel believes that Brexit is a “deep cut” for the UK. French President Emmanuel Macron warns that “Brexit is a historic alarm signal for Europe.” While the UK wishes to heal and continue relationships with member nations, it seems that this will be a strenuous endeavor.

What happens now?

During the transition period which is planned to end on December 31st:

EU rules will apply to the UK until the end of 2020

The UK will continue to contribute financially to the EU as if it were a member

There will be no noticeable changes for a while yet.

Brexit marks the end of opportunities for future generations to live and work and learn freely across Europe, as it also ends those opportunities for the UK’s European friends who wish to do the same in the UK. Prime Minister Johnson insists that this is a new beginning rather than an end, but will he and the Conservative Party heal both the divide within our nation and damaged relationships with EU nations in this new chapter?

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