Brexit cleared its last formal hurdle in Brussels on Thursday, setting Britain&#...
BRUSSELS - Brexit cleared its last formal hurdle in Brussels on Thursday, setting Britain’s Jan. 31 exit from the European Union in stone, but it was an unceremonious moment and a party in the heart of the EU’s capital to say “au revoir” was a rain-drenched washout.
That stood in stark contrast to the emotion and drama that gripped the European Parliament’s vote on the historic agreement on Wednesday, as British Brexit Party lawmakers cheered and waved mini Union Jack flags, while others wept over Britain’s departure from the EU after nearly half a century of membership.
Tourists scurried across the square as music blared before a light show that would project the colours of the Union Jack onto buildings. There was a London black cab on display and a traditional British red telephone booth that had to be covered over with plastic sheeting because the rain was leaking through.
“I am sad, but also it is good that Brexit is finally done, they’ve taken so long,” said Tomaso, 25, an Italian assistant to a member of the European Parliament. “It all happened because there was a lot of fake news, disinformation, a sense of trying to regain an empire,” she said, “but now there isn’t anything we can do about it, it’s happening.”Brexit Day will be more muted in Brussels than across the Channel, where its supporters in London’s Parliament Square will celebrate their triumph 3-1/2 years after a referendum in which Britons voted to leave the EU.
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