Boris Johnson heralds ‘new chapter in UK history’ after signing EU withdrawal agreement
2 min read
Boris Johnson has heralded “a new chapter in our nation's history” after signing the official document which formalises the UK’s exit from the EU next Friday.
The Prime Minister put pen to paper on the Withdrawal Agreement, which goes back to Brussels ahead of Brexit day on January 31.
In a statement he said: “The signing of the Withdrawal Agreement is a fantastic moment, which finally delivers the result of the 2016 referendum and brings to an end far too many years of argument and division.
“We can now move forward as one country – with a Government focused upon delivering better public services, greater opportunity and unleashing the potential of every corner of our brilliant United Kingdom, while building a strong new relationship with the EU as friends and sovereign equals.”
The document had earlier been signed by the President of the European Council Charles Michel, and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen before being transported to London by EU and Foreign Office officials.
They, along with Downing Street staff including the PM’s chief negotiator David Frost witnessed the moment Mr Johnson put pen to paper in the anteroom outside the Cabinet Room in Downing Street.
It comes after his Brexit deal was turned into law when the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act was given Royal Assent on Thursday.
Mr Johnson said the country could now "move forwards as one United Kingdom" after the legislation passed through Parliament this week.
He said: "At times it felt like we would never cross the Brexit finish line, but we've done it.
“Now we can put the rancour and division of the past three years behind us and focus on delivering a bright, exciting future."
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