The UK's divorce from the European Union came into force on Friday night as it became the first country to exit the economic bloc after 47 years of membership following the vote in favour of Brexit in June 2016.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the historic moment as the dawn of a new era for the UK in his address to the nation just before Brexit.
"It is 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 no longer accept that your life chances — your family's life chances —should depend on which part of the country you grow up in," he said.
While there will be little change instantly as the UK and EU enter into a pre-agreed period of transition from Saturday until the end of December, the process of complete extrication from the now 27-member economic bloc will begin right away.
The Conservative Party leader took charge at Downing Street last year with a "no ifs, no buts" pledge to leave the EU. His General Election campaign pegged around the Get Brexit Done message last December won him a thumping majority, after which Britain's exit from the bloc also became a certainty as his Brexit bill easily crossed the parliamentary hurdle.
Acknowledging the long-drawn divorce process and the deep Remain versus Brexit divide within the UK, Johnson said, "Tonight we are leaving the European Union.
Mixed feelings on the last Eurostar train out of Britain
Mixed emotions were on display as passengers boarded the last train to Europe before Britain left the EU on Friday evening. Passengers leaving London expressed sorrow, optimism and anger, reflecting the emotions of a nation conflicted ahead its great leap into the unknown. One passenger said that the day was indeed a sad one and sends a message to the rest of the world that we are turning inwards when we
should be looking out. Another passenger said that there was too much pessimism around Brexit and Britain's distinctiveness should be celebrated.
As the last Eurostar before Britain's historic exit left London's St Pancras station at 8:10 GMT on Friday, there weren't any extra checks at customs, nor were there protests, celebrations or tears on the journey. Post-Brexit, future of the Eurostar seems uncertain. The train service was started to as a symbol of a Europe without borders, but it has failed to meet expectations especially in terms of passenger numbers. The British and French government have warned that if the EU fails to agree on an amicable trade deal then the Eurostar may be brought to a standstill.
British papers celebrate, regret Brexit
On day one post-Brexit, Britain's papers cannot seem to decide whether to rejoice or express anguish over Brexit.
“Rise and shine... it's a glorious new Britain,” the right-wing Daily Express tabloid proclaimed on the day the divided country's 47-year stay in the European Union came to an end after three delays.
“Farewell, au revoir, auf wiedersehen,” Sky News wrote in a breaking news alert.
Publicly-financed broadcaster BBC played the coverage straight: “Brexit: UK leaves the European Union”.
Guardian, a paper with strong leftist sentiments wrote, “So for all Johnson's talk of healing, there was no agreement between leave and remain at the moment of parting — except on one thing. Both saw 11 pm as chiming in an epochal shift in the history of these islands." "What next?" the e-paper asked on its front page.
— With PTI inputs
