The United Kingdom has officially announced its unconditional withdrawal of 47-year membership from the European Union.
This decision, which was announced today after a vote in a referendum, was marked by both celebrations and anti-Brexit protests.
Candlelit vigils were held in Scotland, which voted to stay in the EU, while Brexiteers partied in London’s Parliament Square.
In a message released on social media an hour before the UK’s departure, the prime minister stated that, “For many people, this is an astonishing moment of hope, a moment they thought would never come.
“And there are many of course who feel a sense of anxiety and loss.”
Hundreds gathered in Parliament Square to celebrate Brexit, singing patriotic songs and cheering speeches from leading Brexiteers, including Nigel Farage.
The Brexit Party leader, Nigel Farage, said, “Let us celebrate tonight as we have never done before.
“This is the greatest moment in the modern history of our great nation.”
However, pro-EU demonstrators earlier staged a march in Whitehall to bid a “fond farewell” to the union – and anti-Brexit rallies and candlelit vigils were held in Scotland.
