New chapter for UK history as Brexit transition period over - The Yorkshire Post says

Four-and-a-half years after the electorate voted ‘Leave’ in the 2016 referendum, the nation has cut ties with EU rules. Despite a year that saw much of his attention commanded by the Covid-19 pandemic, and seemingly very little progress on his pledge to ‘level up’ the country, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has completed his promise to ‘get Brexit done’.

Nearing 12 months after the UK’s official departure from the bloc on January 31 last year, the Brexit transition period, during which the nation has continued to follow EU rules, has come to an end. Speaking after his trade deal with the EU cleared Parliament and entered into law, Mr Johnson said the country’s destiny “now resides firmly in our hands”.

“We take on this duty with a sense of purpose and with the interests of the British public at the heart of everything we do,” he said.

Mr Johnson and his Government certainly have a lot to do in this post-Brexit era. As Britain’s biggest business organisation the CBI points out, it is incumbent on both the UK and EU to work together to minimise disruption and keep goods moving as businesses get to grips with changes coming in today.

Focusing on cementing new relationships around the world must also be part of the Government’s plan, whilst, at home, Mr Johnson must urgently act on his vow to ‘level up’ if he is to truly enhance opportunities in all regions and tackle the social inequalities that are holding many people and businesses back. All this is, of course, on top of the ongoing challenge of Covid-19 and work to get the country – and its economy – back on its feet.

The path ahead is not likely to be easy, but this is a historic moment and, to use Mr Johnson’s words, now is the time to seize it.

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click here to subscribe.