WORLD Britain finally on the way out

AFTER years of angry arguments that toppled two governments, Britain’s Parliament has finally approved the terms of Brexit, clearing the country’s exit from the European Union on January 31.

The House of Commons voted 330-231 in favour of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s terms, drawing a line under an extraordinary period of political chaos following last month’s election.

For much of the time since the 2016 Brexit referendum, politicians have been deadlocked over how, when and even if Britain should leave its closest trading partners after nearly 50 years.

Some viewed Brexit with horror, fearing that it stripped them of their European identities and turned Britain into an insular, slightly smaller, and somewhat less important nation.

Others embraced it with fervour, viewing it as a chance to “take back control” from unelected officials in Brussels and see Britain regain some of its past might.

Businesses and governments in Europe, puzzled with Britain’s struggles over what they viewed as a self-inflicted wound, hoped that Brexit could still somehow be undone.

But Mr Johnson’s comprehensive victory in last month’s general election brought an abrupt end to the turmoil, giving his party a parliamentary majority with which to push Brexit through.

MPs gave their initial blessing to the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill before Christmas, and the Government set aside just three days this week for detailed scrutiny of the complex text. But few MPs even bothered to turn up on Tuesday and Wednesday, with both sessions ending early, while the Government easily saw off opposition attempts to amend the text.

The momentous day on which Mr Johnson (pictured) effectively got his divorce deal to leave the EU sanctioned was all but ignored in the media.

Instead, it became a footnote to Prince Harry and Meghan’s decision to quit royal frontline duties.

In a striking contrast to much of last year, when every Brexit vote risked bringing down the previous government and eventually did, Commons approval is now a done deal.

The Brexit Bill must still be passed by the unelected House of Lords and the European Parliament, but this is expected before January 31.