Brexit: UK Officially Leaves the European Union

Withdrawal Marks the End of a Three-Year Process

On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom officially withdrew from the European Union, marking the culmination of a three-year process known as Brexit. The withdrawal was marked by the pre-recorded bongs of Big Ben, as the UK officially left the bloc.

Referendum Outcome Led to Years of Negotiations

The UK's exit from the EU was triggered by a referendum held in June 2016, in which a majority of the British people voted to leave. The vote set in motion a complex and protracted negotiation process between the UK and the EU, as they attempted to agree on the terms of the UK's withdrawal.

Negotiations Concluded with Withdrawal Agreement

After months of negotiations, the UK and the EU reached a Withdrawal Agreement in November 2018. The agreement outlined the terms of the UK's departure from the EU, including the financial settlement, the rights of EU citizens in the UK, and the future trading relationship between the two parties. The agreement was approved by the UK Parliament in January 2020, paving the way for the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

Big Ben's Bongs Mark Historic Moment

As the UK officially left the EU at 11:00pm on January 31, 2020, the iconic Big Ben clocktower in London rang out with a series of pre-recorded bongs, marking the historic moment. The bongs were aired due to ongoing renovation work on the tower, which has meant the bell has not been fully operational since 2017.