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Brexit day: UK prepares to leave the EU within hours – live news Brexit day: UK prepares to leave the EU within hours – live news
(32 minutes later)
All the latest as Britain gears up to leave the European Union at 11pm local timeAll the latest as Britain gears up to leave the European Union at 11pm local time
The future of science and medical research in the UK hangs in the balance because of Brexit.
Most research is collaborative and international with significant reliance on the seven-year Horizon2020 programme, which runs out this year. As yet, there is no decision on what happens to UK research beyond this.
Universities across the UK and the EU have today urged Boris Johnson and bloc’s leaders to make a swift agreement to secure continued research collaboration, student access to institutes across the EU and to the Erasmus programme. They said:
Among the signatories are Universities UK, European University Association (EUA), Flemish Inter university Council GuildHE, the Irish University Association, League of European Research Universities (LERU), The Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions (SUHF), Swiss universities, The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe (UNICA), Universities Finland (UNIFI), Universities Austria, Universities Denmark, Universities Estonia, Universities Lithuania, Universities Norway, University of Luxembourg and the Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU).
The sadness of leaving the EU will be “tinged with anger” in Scotland, says first minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Speaking in Edinburgh where she is outlining the “next steps for Scotland’s future”, Sturgeon said: “But that’s not what I want to do today. Instead I want to focus on something much, much more important: Hope.
“Hope for a better future. A future in which our path as a country is determined by the people who live here.”
My colleague, Libby Brooks, is following the action:
To give you a flavour of what’s ahead today, Boris Johnson is due to chair a cabinet meeting in Sunderland at 11.30am.To give you a flavour of what’s ahead today, Boris Johnson is due to chair a cabinet meeting in Sunderland at 11.30am.
The Sunderland Echo reports: “The decision to hold the meeting on Wearside has been hailed as a symbolic move in recognition of the fact the city was the first to back Brexit when results were announced after the polls closed in the referendum.”The Sunderland Echo reports: “The decision to hold the meeting on Wearside has been hailed as a symbolic move in recognition of the fact the city was the first to back Brexit when results were announced after the polls closed in the referendum.”
Johnson will then address the nation at 10pm, an hour before Britain is due to formally leave the EU.Johnson will then address the nation at 10pm, an hour before Britain is due to formally leave the EU.
Leave a Light On for the EU events are popping up all over the country with candlelit vigils through Oxford, Ely, Greenock, Dundee, Brighton, Glasgow, Islay and Jura, Cheltenham, Winchester, Ipswich, Pitlochry and Stratford.Leave a Light On for the EU events are popping up all over the country with candlelit vigils through Oxford, Ely, Greenock, Dundee, Brighton, Glasgow, Islay and Jura, Cheltenham, Winchester, Ipswich, Pitlochry and Stratford.
Organised events and rallies are also being staged in Edinburgh outside Holyrood, Liverpool, Newcastle Civic Centre, Bideford, Harrogate, Swindon, Doncaster, Bakewell.Organised events and rallies are also being staged in Edinburgh outside Holyrood, Liverpool, Newcastle Civic Centre, Bideford, Harrogate, Swindon, Doncaster, Bakewell.
There are also reports of efforts to organise procession from Downing Street to the European Commission offices in Westminster tonight. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald will unveil a new Border Communities against Brexit poster this morning ahead of protests being organised by the group later tonight.There are also reports of efforts to organise procession from Downing Street to the European Commission offices in Westminster tonight. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald will unveil a new Border Communities against Brexit poster this morning ahead of protests being organised by the group later tonight.
Ireland is braced for a series of protests along its border with Britain to mark Brexit day.Ireland is braced for a series of protests along its border with Britain to mark Brexit day.
Anti-Brexit campaigners are also set to hold demonstration at Stormont later this afternoon, while supporters of the country’s departure from the EU will celebrate at the gates of Northern Ireland’s devolved government in the evening.Anti-Brexit campaigners are also set to hold demonstration at Stormont later this afternoon, while supporters of the country’s departure from the EU will celebrate at the gates of Northern Ireland’s devolved government in the evening.
Campaign group Border Communities Against Brexit will hold protests at six points along the border. Meanwhile, Union Jacks will be waved and toasts made by Brexit supporters at Stormont.Campaign group Border Communities Against Brexit will hold protests at six points along the border. Meanwhile, Union Jacks will be waved and toasts made by Brexit supporters at Stormont.
Amid all the talk of Britain leaving the EU today it’s easy to forget that Downing Street still has the small matter of negotiating a trade deal with Brussels to resolve.Amid all the talk of Britain leaving the EU today it’s easy to forget that Downing Street still has the small matter of negotiating a trade deal with Brussels to resolve.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told the BBC: “Negotiations will be fair.But, of course, each side will fight for their interests. And it is very clear that there are some fields where we have strong common interests. For example, the fight against climate change.”European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told the BBC: “Negotiations will be fair.But, of course, each side will fight for their interests. And it is very clear that there are some fields where we have strong common interests. For example, the fight against climate change.”
She added: “Of course, we want to work together as close as possible. The crucial part is the single market.She added: “Of course, we want to work together as close as possible. The crucial part is the single market.
“And there, there is a clear trade-off - the closer the UK wants to be to the single market, the more they have to respect the rules of the single market.“And there, there is a clear trade-off - the closer the UK wants to be to the single market, the more they have to respect the rules of the single market.
“If they do not want to respect the rules and the standards of the single market, the more distant, of course, they will be. So, this is the room where we have to negotiate.”“If they do not want to respect the rules and the standards of the single market, the more distant, of course, they will be. So, this is the room where we have to negotiate.”
While some Brexiters have struck a conciliatory tone, Ann Widdecombe has given it both barrels – leaving the EU parliament in a taxi decorated with a union jack.While some Brexiters have struck a conciliatory tone, Ann Widdecombe has given it both barrels – leaving the EU parliament in a taxi decorated with a union jack.
To complete the performance, the vehicle of the former Tory minister – who recently joined the Brexit party – was led by a bagpiper on foot.To complete the performance, the vehicle of the former Tory minister – who recently joined the Brexit party – was led by a bagpiper on foot.
Widdecombe, who enjoyed an infamous stint on Strictly Come Dancing after leaving parliament in 2010, waved from the window at journalists.Widdecombe, who enjoyed an infamous stint on Strictly Come Dancing after leaving parliament in 2010, waved from the window at journalists.
Widdecombe said she has grown “tired of hearing nonsense” about the loss of young people’s rights to travel and work in Europe in the wake of Brexit. Speaking to PA, she said: “I have a mixture of feeling very, very jubilant and full of celebration but also profound relief because there was a time when I wondered if this day was ever going to come.Widdecombe said she has grown “tired of hearing nonsense” about the loss of young people’s rights to travel and work in Europe in the wake of Brexit. Speaking to PA, she said: “I have a mixture of feeling very, very jubilant and full of celebration but also profound relief because there was a time when I wondered if this day was ever going to come.
“Indeed it was at that point that I joined the Brexit Party to try and help to make it come.”“Indeed it was at that point that I joined the Brexit Party to try and help to make it come.”
We’d like to hear how you are feeling on Brexit day. Whether you are celebrating or mourning the country’s departure, how will you be spending the day? We would also like to hear about any events near you and are especially interested in hearing from young people about what they think.We’d like to hear how you are feeling on Brexit day. Whether you are celebrating or mourning the country’s departure, how will you be spending the day? We would also like to hear about any events near you and are especially interested in hearing from young people about what they think.
You can get in touch by filling in the form here. The form is encrypted and your responses are only seen by the Guardian. You can also contact us via WhatsApp by clicking here or adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.You can get in touch by filling in the form here. The form is encrypted and your responses are only seen by the Guardian. You can also contact us via WhatsApp by clicking here or adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.
Some newspaper front pages in Scotland – where people voted in favour of remain in 2016 – provide a different message to readers compared to most of Fleet Street.Some newspaper front pages in Scotland – where people voted in favour of remain in 2016 – provide a different message to readers compared to most of Fleet Street.
The Daily Record declares Scotland has been “short changed”, with a mocked up version of the infamous Brexit coin inscribed with the words: “Isolated, worse off, weaker and divided.”The Daily Record declares Scotland has been “short changed”, with a mocked up version of the infamous Brexit coin inscribed with the words: “Isolated, worse off, weaker and divided.”
The National issues a plea to Europe: “Leave a light on for Scotland.”The National issues a plea to Europe: “Leave a light on for Scotland.”
Meanwhile, The Scotsman proudly showcases three flags on its front page with the message: “Farewell, not goodbye.”Meanwhile, The Scotsman proudly showcases three flags on its front page with the message: “Farewell, not goodbye.”
Tory minister Michael Gove says he will be both relieved and delighted as the country leaves the EU at 11pm.Tory minister Michael Gove says he will be both relieved and delighted as the country leaves the EU at 11pm.
Gove, who is responsible for the government’s Brexit preparations as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, declared he is confident the country is ready to leave. He also claimed leaving will release the shackles on innovation so that the country can develop technologies to “feed the world’s poor”.Gove, who is responsible for the government’s Brexit preparations as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, declared he is confident the country is ready to leave. He also claimed leaving will release the shackles on innovation so that the country can develop technologies to “feed the world’s poor”.
“It’s only the beginning actually of a new chapter in Britain’s history. There are lots of opportunities for us outside the European Union,” he told BBC Breakfast.“It’s only the beginning actually of a new chapter in Britain’s history. There are lots of opportunities for us outside the European Union,” he told BBC Breakfast.
“There are commercial and economic opportunities but it’s also the case that it’s a chance for us, as a country, to come together, to recognise that many of the people who voted to leave, many of the areas that voted strongly to leave felt they had been overlooked and undervalued and now it’s time to bring our country together.”“There are commercial and economic opportunities but it’s also the case that it’s a chance for us, as a country, to come together, to recognise that many of the people who voted to leave, many of the areas that voted strongly to leave felt they had been overlooked and undervalued and now it’s time to bring our country together.”
Asked how he will feel at 11pm, he said: “On the one hand relieved that three and a half years of political wrangling are over, on the other hand delighted that what the British people voted for twice, in the referendum in 2016 and the general election just before last christmas, is at last coming to pass. The most precious gift that Britain has given the world is parliamentary democracy and we are restoring faith and restoring trust in that. In the future it’s the decisions that are made in this country that will determine what will happen in this country. That’s a really important thing. It means that every single individual’s voice matters equally, and it also means that politicians will be directly accountable.”Asked how he will feel at 11pm, he said: “On the one hand relieved that three and a half years of political wrangling are over, on the other hand delighted that what the British people voted for twice, in the referendum in 2016 and the general election just before last christmas, is at last coming to pass. The most precious gift that Britain has given the world is parliamentary democracy and we are restoring faith and restoring trust in that. In the future it’s the decisions that are made in this country that will determine what will happen in this country. That’s a really important thing. It means that every single individual’s voice matters equally, and it also means that politicians will be directly accountable.”
Asked for the top three changes that will be notable for the UK once it leaves the EU, Gove highlighted control of borders to “safeguard the security of British citizens, and we can also make sure we attract the brightest and the best”.Asked for the top three changes that will be notable for the UK once it leaves the EU, Gove highlighted control of borders to “safeguard the security of British citizens, and we can also make sure we attract the brightest and the best”.
He added: “And the second thing, related to that, is that we can escape EU laws which have restricted innovation. So there are a huge range of areas where we can develop the technologies of the future which ensure that we can feed the world’s poor, that we can develop the technologies that will enhance all our lives, and will be able to do so without the bureaucracy that the EU imposes.”He added: “And the second thing, related to that, is that we can escape EU laws which have restricted innovation. So there are a huge range of areas where we can develop the technologies of the future which ensure that we can feed the world’s poor, that we can develop the technologies that will enhance all our lives, and will be able to do so without the bureaucracy that the EU imposes.”
Thirdly, he claimed Brexit will spread economic growth across the nation.Thirdly, he claimed Brexit will spread economic growth across the nation.
As an ardent Brexiter chairing the eurosceptic ERG group of Tory MPs, it might be fair to expect Steve Baker would be shouting from the rooftops today.As an ardent Brexiter chairing the eurosceptic ERG group of Tory MPs, it might be fair to expect Steve Baker would be shouting from the rooftops today.
But the Conservative backbencher conveyed a much more measured tone speaking in the Commons yesterday. “I approach tomorrow in a spirit of some considerable melancholy, I very much regret the division which this country has faced,” he told colleagues in the chamber.But the Conservative backbencher conveyed a much more measured tone speaking in the Commons yesterday. “I approach tomorrow in a spirit of some considerable melancholy, I very much regret the division which this country has faced,” he told colleagues in the chamber.
He added: “I will celebrate. I will allow myself a smile, I’ll allow myself that glass of champagne, I will enjoy myself. I will celebrate.But I will celebrate discreetly, and I will celebrate in a way which is respectful of the genuine sorrow that others are feeling at the same time.”He added: “I will celebrate. I will allow myself a smile, I’ll allow myself that glass of champagne, I will enjoy myself. I will celebrate.But I will celebrate discreetly, and I will celebrate in a way which is respectful of the genuine sorrow that others are feeling at the same time.”
The day is finally upon us. After years of political wrangling, two general elections, repeated calls for a second referendums, and deadline extensions, Britain will today be leaving the European Union, ending a near half-century membership.The day is finally upon us. After years of political wrangling, two general elections, repeated calls for a second referendums, and deadline extensions, Britain will today be leaving the European Union, ending a near half-century membership.
Many of Fleet Street’s newspapers mark the occasion in jubilant terms – the Daily Mail salutes a “new dawn for Britain”, while the Sun declares “our time has come” – but the Guardian strikes a different tone.Many of Fleet Street’s newspapers mark the occasion in jubilant terms – the Daily Mail salutes a “new dawn for Britain”, while the Sun declares “our time has come” – but the Guardian strikes a different tone.
“Small island,” our headline reads, next to a picture showing a small Union Jack sticking out of a sandcastle at the foot of the cliffs of Dover. “After 47 years, Britain leaves the EU at 11pm tonight – the biggest gamble in a generation,” the paper adds.“Small island,” our headline reads, next to a picture showing a small Union Jack sticking out of a sandcastle at the foot of the cliffs of Dover. “After 47 years, Britain leaves the EU at 11pm tonight – the biggest gamble in a generation,” the paper adds.
Here’s a helpful guide to what’s happening today, including the prime minister’s late-night address, the countdown clock, Leave Means Leave rally, protest at the London Eye and … 50p Brexit coins. I’ll be kicking off the Guardian’s live blog this morning to take you through today’s action.Here’s a helpful guide to what’s happening today, including the prime minister’s late-night address, the countdown clock, Leave Means Leave rally, protest at the London Eye and … 50p Brexit coins. I’ll be kicking off the Guardian’s live blog this morning to take you through today’s action.