Brexit day: Now time to unite communities, say MPs

Boris Johnson surrounded by Vote Leave and Vote Remain activists as he speaks in Winchester, as part of his tour on the Vote Leave campaign bus during the run up to the EU referendum in 2016
Boris Johnson surrounded by Vote Leave and Vote Remain activists as he speaks in Winchester, as part of his tour on the Vote Leave campaign bus during the run up to the EU referendum in 2016
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It's Brexit day.

And whether you'll be celebrating, spending time in quiet reflection, or just want to forget about the whole thing – there's no getting away from the fact that the UK will be formally leaving the European Union (EU) at 11pm tonight.

It means bonds dating back to 1973 when the UK joined the European Economic Community will be broken - although Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists Brexit marks "not an end but a beginning".

Very little will change at the moment of Brexit as a result of the deal which Mr Johnson agreed with Brussels and the 27 remaining member states.

But the UK faces further uncertainty as both sides seek to strike a trade deal by the end of the year.

West Dorset MP Chris Loder and South Dorset MP Richard Drax have both said it is now the time for communities to unite and look forward to the future.

Millions of new coins will go into circulation promising "friendship with all nations" as the country prepares to exit the bloc.

For anyone who does feel like celebrating, the Crown Inn at Bridport, is holding a Brexit day party tonight from 9.30pm with live music.

Boris Johnson's Brexit deal was given its final seal of approval by the European Parliament this week.

It follows the completion last week of the passage of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill through the British Parliament at Westminster.

The agreement settles the terms of Britain's departure, including future citizens' rights, the arrangements on the Northern Ireland border and the UK's divorce settlement.

It also allows for an 11-month transition period, during which the UK will continue to follow EU rules while talks take place on a free trade agreement.

West Dorset MP Chris Loder said: "As the UK ceases to be a member of the European Union, I believe now is the time for us to unite as communities and look to the future. There are many opportunities for West Dorset, and for the country, as we leave the EU and it’s this aspect of Brexit that I would like to focus on as your MP."

In his Echo column today, South Dorset MP Richard Drax said he would be "celebrating our departure from the EU quietly with friends".

He adds: "We must look forward, unite as a nation and face an exciting new future together."

Meanwhile, Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said businesses must "hit the ground running as soon as we leave the EU".

He added: “Businesses in Dorset tell us they have had a strong start to the year and are looking forward to the future with confidence.

“The Government has a once in a lifetime opportunity to listen to business and provide the right kind of environment to turbo-charge the economy.

“That includes reaching a sensible and timely conclusion of talks with the EU over our future relationship and giving clarity on the practical issues businesses will face after the transition period ends.

“As a Chamber we will continue to offer comprehensive support for businesses in Dorset.

“This includes a dedicated Brexit advisor based at the Chamber, sector specific guides, newsletters and online advice.

“We are also on hand to help new and existing importers, and advise businesses about the Government’s new ‘Ready to Trade’ campaign.”

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