The Union Jack (British Flag) was taken down from the European Parliament  at 11pm on 31st January 2020 because Britain has cancelled its membership of the European Union (EU) after 47 years of relationship. The Union Jacks were taken down in the Council of the EU and outside European parliament without any official ceremony. At the same time, the British access to diplomatic working groups databases was switched off for British officials in EU.

 A telegram has been sent to UK diplomats last week to spurn old EU allies. British diplomats have been told to sit apart from their EU counterparts in new advice issued by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. The diplomats have been “ordered to make an immediate break with their former EU allies”. It adds that a leaked telegram last week told the UK’s overseas representative to “adopt a stance as a confident independent country”. (The Sunday Times, London).

To celebrate the exit from EU, Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a party to his colleagues and staff member who supported him in Brexit. English sparkling wine, fillet of lamb on toast, roast chicken skewers, beef and Yorkshire puddings were served to friends and colleagues.

One of the Brexit party MEP (Member of European Parliament) said “our duty is done, our harvest is home and now we’re off.” One MEP said “Today we celebrate the beginning of our independence.”

Rory O’Donnell, a retired civil servant who was against Brexit said “I am feeling great sense of tragedy for Britain abandoning the EU because of deeply misguided and manipulative campaign.”

Sir Ben Macintyre, Emeritus professor of culture and spiritual history, St Andrews, London said that comparison of Brexit to King Henry VIII’s break up with Rome is persuasive, although it runs the risk of encouraging the canard, promoted by the late Ian Paisley, that the EU is essentially a Catholic conspiracy from which Protestant Britain should keep well away.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said that she would miss a “very down to earth” British. “We must prove to the world that you can be neighbours but very, very close together.” Ursula, the former German defence minister further said that “Our experience has taught us that strength does not lie in splendid isolation, but in our unique action.”

German Chancellor Angela Markel said “a deep gash for all of us.” France President Macron said “Friday is a sad day for us”. Macron said “we need Europe more than ever because Brexit is historic warning sign in Europe”. Macron will visit the UK soon to reinforce bilateral ties.

(Most of the materials has been taken from the newspaper, The Times, London, dated 1st February 2020).