European Union signs off on Boris Johnson's Brexit deal

29 January 2020, 18:20 | Updated: 29 January 2020, 20:37

Boris Johnson's Brexit deal has been ratified by MEPs
Boris Johnson's Brexit deal has been ratified by MEPs. Picture: PA

The prime minister's Brexit deal has been signed off by the European Union, paving the way for the UK to leave on 31 January.

MEPs in Brussels voted in favour of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) on Wednesday evening by 621 votes to 49.

The step means Brexit has now cleared its final hurdle before the UK's imminent departure from the EU at 11pm on Friday night.

There were emotional scenes in the chamber following the historic vote, with a number of MEPs breaking into a rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage was greeted by cheers and the waving of Union Flags by his party's MEPs as he declared Britain was "never coming back."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was determined the EU and the UK would remain "good friends and good partners."

LBC's Theo Usherwood explains "symbolic" moment EU approves Withdrawal Agreement.

She quoted the poet George Eliot, saying: "Only in the agony of parting do we look into the depth of love."

Ms von der Leyen added: "We will always love you and we will never be far, long live Europe."

Tap here for live coverage of Europe's decision to ratify the Withdrawal Agreement.

Mr Farage led his party out of the chamber for the final time on Wednesday with all members waving British flags.

However, Mr Farage was slapped down by the Parliament's Chair, Mairead McGuinness, who cut off his microphone and ordered the MEPs to put the flags down and leave.

MEPs raised flags in the Parliament labelled "Always United"
MEPs raised flags in the Parliament labelled "Always United". Picture: PA

Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator told MEPs the UK will "remain a close friend of the European Union."

He recalled several moments spent with his British colleagues during the UK's 47-year membership of the bloc.

Europe's Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt said the departure of a country which had "twice given its blood to liberate Europe" was a "sad" moment.

He predicted, however, that the UK would eventually rejoin, with many British people deeply unhappy at the prospect of leaving.

"In the last couple of days I have received hundreds of mails from British citizens saying they desperately want to stay or return," he said.

"So this vote is not an adieu, this vote, in my opinion, is only an au revoir."

One Liberal Democrat MEP, Molly Scott Cato, was seen in tears after final speeches were read out.

Politicians, international news crews and spectators packed out the European Parliament on Wednesday ahead of the final vote.

The UK's ambassador to the EU, Sir Tim Barrow, delivered the instrument to ratify the Withdrawal Agreement to the European Council on Wednesday morning.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Labour divided over assisted dying as MP who introduced bill hits out at Health Secretary

Labour divided over assisted dying bill as MP tabling legislation labels Wes Streeting's objections 'disappointing'

Reverend Sue Colman was asked to step back after the Makin Report found her and her husband Jason knew about John Smyth's abuse and failed to act

Mustard heir and Church of England minister wife step back from church roles after damning abuse report

File photo of Broadway Market, where the attack took place

Horror as 'man doused in bleach' in busy Hackney market with manhunt underway and attacker still at loose

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pleads not guilty to string of sex attacks including indecent assault against teen

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pleads not guilty to sex attacks including indecent assault against teen

Jack Bradley took part in the failed ram raid

Moment drug addict in 4x4 rams Tesco superstore in failed bid to steal safe, with terrified staff still inside shop

ZM712, a Boeing Apache AH2 operated by the UK's Army Air Corps, departing from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England after participating in the Royal International Air Tattoo 2024 (RIAT24).

Drunken soldiers caught during Apache cockpit romp spark military safety review

Eva Longoria, a Texas native, has said she is 'done' with the US after Trump's second election win

Eva Longoria reveals she has fled 'dystopian' America as Trump names radical right wing cabinet

Dog-free zones should be introduced to tackle racism, the Welsh government has been told.

Dog-free zones needed in countryside to tackle racism, Welsh government told

A 'major' suspected people smugger has been arrested in Amsterdam

'Major' Turkish supplier of small boats for Channel migrant crossings arrested as 'British FBI' swoop in airport

Clifton Suspension Bridge has quit Elon Musk's X after 15 years on the site.

Clifton suspension bridge dramatically departs from Twitter sparking wave of online jokes

Exclusive
Students take gap years and ‘neglect studies’ as survey suggests Edinburgh rents skyrocketed by nearly two thirds in a year.

Students take gap years and ‘neglect studies’ as survey suggests Edinburgh rents skyrocketed by nearly two thirds in a year

Two Just Stop Oil protesters charged over June's incident

Two Just Stop Oil activists charged after orange paint thrown over Stonehenge

Man arrested after reports of person carrying knives outside Houses of Parliament

Man charged with carrying offensive weapons after 'knife' incident near Parliament

Exclusive
Michael Harris died in an e-scooter crash

'My best friend was killed in an e-scooter crash - I'm urging the government not to legalise them for use on roads'

Hilkiah McLeggan, 77, from Southwark, was pronounced dead at the scene in East Street, Walworth.

First picture of Walworth market 'knife rampage' victim as suspect appears in court

Police at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage where three people died and seven people were taken to hospital

Woman arrested over Dorset care home deaths released without charge