The mixed emotions of Brexit day show the UK is not yet at ease with itself | Jonathan Freedland
The mixed emotions of Brexit day show the UK is not yet at ease with itself | Jonathan Freedland
As some take to the streets to celebrate leaving the EU, others mourn the loss of an old friendHow does a nation say goodbye to its neighbours? With a lump in its throat and a poignant song of farewell – or with cheers and a raised middle finger of defiant good riddance? The answer that Britain gave at 11pm on Friday 31 January 2020 was: both. The UK broke from the European Union on a late winter’s night with both jubilation and regret, as divided on the day of leaving as it had been in deciding to leave. For some Britons, this was Independence Day. For others, it was a national bereavement.In Westminster, Nigel Farage exulted with his fellow Brexiters in Parliament Square, del...