Advertisement

Boris Johnson marks signing of Brexit Withdrawal Agreement with picture of himself flanked by Union Jack flags

Ellen Manning
Updated
Boris Johnson marked the signing of the Withdrawal Agreement with a photo backed by Union Jacks (Picture: Twitter/Boris Johnson)
Boris Johnson marked the signing of the Withdrawal Agreement with a photo backed by Union Jacks (Picture: Twitter/Boris Johnson)

Boris Johnson marked the historic signing of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement with a smiling picture of himself flanked by Union Jack flags.

The Prime Minister posted a picture of himself, pen in hand with the flags behind him, signing the agreement ahead of Britain’s departure from the EU next week.

He wrote: “Today I have signed the Withdrawal Agreement for the UK to leave the EU on January 31st, honouring the democratic mandate of the British people.

“This signature heralds a new chapter in our nation’s history.”

Predictably, the PM’s triumphant tweet garnered a mixed response, with some praising his tenacity in delivering Britain’s departure from Europe, while others were more critical.

Chrissie Grech wrote: “You've just signed away your country's prosperity, and all to please your oligarch chums. #NotMyBrexit #NotMyPM”, while Henry Lynn tweeted: “Today you have signed an agreement that has no tangible benefits. You've done it on the back of newspapers blaming the EU and immigration for the problems in the country, primarily the lack of investment in the North, by the Tories. Never have so many people been conned by so few.”

READ MORE

UK needs 'a dose of realism' when it comes to the next stage of Brexit, says senior EU official

SNP MP angrily brands Boris Johnson 'desperate liar' as PM criticises party's record in Scotland

Yet Sue P wrote: “Thank you Boris. As part of the establishment you must have realised the vitriol that would be thrown at you when you campaigned for leave, huge respect to you for sticking with it and delivering on your promise. Here’s to a great independent future for the U.K.”

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans wrote: “Let the healing begin...”

Mr Johnson signed the document with a Parker fountain pen in an anteroom outside the Cabinet Room in Number 10, witnessed by EU and Foreign Office officials who brought the treaty from Brussels, where it was signed by the presidents of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

It comes after the Queen gave royal assent to the legislation on Thursday after it cleared both Houses of Parliament.

Speaking after he signed the historic moment, Mr Johnson said: “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.

“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.”

The Withdrawal Agreement was signed ahead of Britain's departure from the EU next week (Picture: Andrew Parsons/No10 Downing Street/PA Wire)
The Withdrawal Agreement was signed ahead of Britain's departure from the EU next week (Picture: Andrew Parsons/No10 Downing Street/PA Wire)

The European Parliament is now expected to vote to approve the agreement on Wednesday, ahead of Britain’s departure on Friday, January 31.

It will mark the start of an 11-month transition period, during which the UK will continue to follow EU rules, before the final break with Brussels at the end of the year.