Published 14:02 IST, February 1st 2020
Brexit: Ex-PM Theresa May calls it 'delivering results'; EU leaders call it 'emotional'
After 47 years of European Union membership, Britain has finally left the 27-nation bloc on January 31 and most EU leaders expressed their mixed emotions.
After 47 years of European Union membership, Britain has finally left the 27-nation bloc on January 31 at 11:00 pm (local time). Most European leaders have mixed emotions about the UK's leap into political and trade uncertainty.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called Britain's departure as a 'moment of real national renewal and change' while thousands of supporters gathered outside the British Parliament. Most Britons were seen welcoming the moment they longed for since the 2016 referendum to leave the European Union which was joined back in 1973.
Theresa May says 'delivered result'
Theresa May, former Prime Minister of Britain said on Brexit Day that after nearly more than three years after the Referendum, Conservatives have 'delivered the result'. In 2016, 52 per cent Britons backed the decision of Brexit while 48 per cent wanted to be a part of the European Union, Splitting the country between 'Leavers' and 'Remainers'. However, this political chaos in London came to end with the snap December 12 general elections.
As Britain moves into an 11-month transition period with the EU, Michel Barnier, the European Union's head of negotiations with the UK called the Brexit day as 'emotional'. However, Nigel Farage, the leader of Brexit Party in the UK called it the last day before Britons 'break free'. Farage also acknowledged the historic day as a 'victory for people'.
The President of European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen bid farewell to the long membership of the UK and said even though both sides share 'best possible relationship', it will 'never' be as good as membership in the European Union. Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, took pride in being the biggest single market even after losing its biggest military spender, and the world's international financial capital of London.
The Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he 'profoundly regrets UK leaving the EU'. Varadkar also told an Irish newspaper that in the past few years which witnessed countless debates and discussions, he saw friendship with EU 'in action'.
French President Emmanuel Macron also called it a 'sad day' but gave an optimistic spin to his message and added that Brexit will 'lead the union to proceed differently'. He further called EU as 'irreplaceable adventure'.
Updated 14:02 IST, February 1st 2020