Brexit – Tories mock predictions of doom saying ‘the sky hasn’t fallen in’ as UK enjoys its first day free from the EU
THRILLED Tories mocked the doom-laden predictions of Remainers - as Britain enjoyed its first day free from the EU today.
Conservative MPs were jubilant as Westminster basked in the sunshine, after the country officially marked the start of it's divorce from Brussels at 11pm last night.
Defence minister James Heappey tweeted the "sky has not fallen in", and added seeing Brexit completed was "a big relief".
And although their positions are now redundant, Brexit Secretary and minster Steve Barclay and James Dudderidge were also delighted.
Mr Barclay wrote: "It has been a great honour to serve as Brexit Secretary With @DExEUgov having delivered its purpose and our departure from the EU secure, I wrote to PM to resign formally at 11.01pm."
Celebrations were held up and down the country from Cornwall to Cumbria – more than three years on from the referendum result.
Some took to the streets, while others hosted gatherings at home, and pubs even opened early so people could raise a glass, as the transition period out of the EU begins.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the nation last night our new future will be bright because “we have taken back the tools of self-government”.
He declared: "We will rediscover muscles that we have not used for decades, the power of independent thought and action."
Mr Johnson, 55, hosted a celebration party for aides and ministers in No10 — but stayed out of public view in a bid not to look too triumphant for heartbroken Remainers.
For many pro-EU Brits, our official departure from the bloc was a cause for sadness and regret, with anti-Brexit protests held across Britain.
The PM, who had lead the triumphant Leave campaign, marked last night’s moment of history with a red, white and blue light show blasted onto No10’s facade.
An image of Big Ben filled the building in a riposte to Commons bosses who refused to reconnect the clock’s bells to bong in Brexit.
Brexit champion Nigel Farage last night hailed the UK's exit from the EU as “the greatest moment in the modern history of our great nation”.
The Brexit Party boss addressed the thousands of people gathered at Parliament Square before the 20-second countdown telling them “celebrate tonight as we have never done before”.
The chapter closed on nearly four of the most choppy years in modern political history that saw two General Elections, and two PMs fall.
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The country’s 73 MEPs quit their posts, the Department for Exiting the EU was disbanded and Brexit Secretary Mr Barclay left the Cabinet.
Ousted former PM Theresa May, 63, tweeted: “After more than three years, we can finally say that we have delivered on the result of the 2016 referendum and have kept faith with the British people”.
David Cameron, 53, said he believed the UK will be able to make a success of Brexit, despite leading the Remain campaign in 2016, hailing it “a very big day” for Britain.
