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January 31, 2020 "Tonight we leave the EU: for many people it is a moment of wonderful hope". So Boris Johnson, opening his speech to the nation on Brexit Day, but not without remembering how many others instead feel "a sense of anxiety and bewilderment". And as "a third group, perhaps the largest", is above all relieved of the end of "political struggle" over Brexit. All sentiments that Premier Tory claims to "understand", now committing his government to "bring the country together to move forward" together.

"The European Union, despite all its strengths and admirable qualities, has evolved in the last 50 years towards a direction that is no longer suitable" for the United Kingdom, added Boris Johnson, defining the choice "healthy and democratic" divorce to restore "sovereignty" to the country on issues such as "immigration control", trade, legislation. A choice that "the people confirmed not once, but twice": in the 2016 referendum and in the December elections.

Brexit offers Britain the chance "of a real renewal and change", with more equal opportunities and infrastructure investments that have not been seen "since the Victorian era". Premier Tory evokes "a resounding success", speaks of a Kingdom that is "European and global" at the same time and "a new beginning" also marked by relations of "friendly cooperation between an energetic Britain and the EU".

Insisting on the "dawn of a new era", he then relaunches the promise to fight crime, to improve public health and education, to modernize the country's technologies. In addition to leveraging the renewed "independence" to take a leading role in foreign policy on climate change or human rights. Then the final message: "I know we will succeed, however many obstacles there may be on the road. We have obeyed the will of the people. Now it is time to unleash the full potential of this splendid country, to make life better in every corner of the our United Kingdom. "

For and against in the square
The fiercest brexiteers from all over the country, led by Nigel Farage, gathered in front of Parliament Square in London tonight for the "Brexit Celebration" event. But the New Europeans association - which defends the rights of 3.6 million EU citizens living in the United Kingdom and 1.4 million Britons in the European Union (5 million in all) - also organized an event. in Westminster there is a silent procession and a candlelight vigil. A countdown clock will be projected onto the black brick walls of Downing Street, followed by a light show to "symbolize the strength and unity of the country", as reported by the British media, underlining the need now to emphasize "the union between the four nations "that make up the country. Big Ben, on the other hand, won't beat its chimes as many brexiteers wanted.

Mayor of London: "I have a broken heart"
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said he was heartbroken for Britain's imminent exit from the European Union and wanted to reassure European citizens who live in the British capital, appreciated friends and family members.

"I'm from the generation that saw our European neighbors as friends and allies," Khan told the Associated Press a few hours before Brexit became official. "Previous generations looked at them with suspicion," recalled the mayor. "And the crucial thing that I am determined to make happen is, going forward, to continue as a city with an open-minded, far-sighted, pluralistic and welcoming attitude towards our EU friends".

Khan has long argued that it would have been better for Britain to stay within the EU. On Friday he said he was proud of the fact that Londoners voted overwhelmingly in the 2016 Brexit referendum for Remain, the UK's permanence as a member of the EU.

Conte: United Kingdom remains strategic partner and friend Rome
"The United Kingdom leaves the EU family, but remains a strategic partner and friend. We are working on an ambitious new partnership between the EU and the UK, for the stability and prosperity of our common destiny, in the interest of our citizens and of our businesses. " Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte writes it on twitter.

Sassoli: a new season begins
"It is a special day for Europe. A new season begins. At midnight the UK will come out and after three years of discussions we take stock of the discussions with British friends. The European Union has benefited, because it has confirmed itself much more united. " So the President of the European Parliament David Sassoli in a statement.

Michel: exceptional day today
"As the EU, we hope to keep the relationship as close as possible with the United Kingdom, but we must be clear: the more the United Kingdom decides to diverge from European standards, the less it will have access to the single market". So the President of the European Council Charles Michel, who defines the day as "exceptional".

Von der Leyen: partnership is not the same as membership
"We want the best possible partnership with the United Kingdom but it will not be as good as membership. Belonging to the EU counts. Experience teaches us that strength lies not in splendid isolation, but in our only union." So the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who highlighted: "Today is not the end, it is a beginning".