In London, the old,enigmatic clock called Big Ben chimed loudly at 23:00 GMT. Alas! The United Kingdom has officially left the European Union. This is coming more than three years after the Brexit referendum that left the country divided along the lines of those who wanted the UK to remain in the EU and those who wanted the country to leave.

The country’s 47 years of membership of the EU officially ceased on the clock at 23:00 GMT on this day, January 30, 2020.

Thousands of Brexiters partied outside the UK Parliament, while anti-Brexit campaigners mounted protests along the Irish border.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson must now achieve  a trade deal with the European Union within 11 months.

Johnson called the UK’s withdrawal from the EU “an astonishing moment of hope” in a televised address to the nation. His words:

“This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act in our great national drama,” he said.

“And yes it is partly about using these new powers – this recaptured sovereignty – to deliver the changes people voted for. Whether that is by controlling immigration or creating freeports 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.

“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.”