UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson signs Withdrawal Agreement, paving way for Brexit

Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has signed the UK’s withdrawal agreement from the European Union paving the way for the European Parliament to vote on the agreement on January 29 while Brexit will take place on January 31.

Earlier on Friday, Charles Michel, European Council president tweeted: “Things will inevitably change but our friendship will remain. We start a new chapter as partners and allies.”

After Brexit takes place on Thursday, the UK will enter a transition period, during which it will attempt to arrange new deals and future relationships with the EU.

“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,” said Johnson, referring to EU membership referendum four years ago.

“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.”