Boris Johnson says UK has ‘crossed Brexit finish line’
Bill to implement the withdrawal deal is passed by Parliament

Boris Johnson said the UK has “crossed the Brexit finish line” after Parliament passed legislation that paves the way for the country to leave the EU on 31 January.
The prime minister said the UK could now “move forwards as one” and put “years of rancour and division behind it” as the EU Bill, which implements the withdrawal deal, awaits royal assent. As Sky News puts it “barring unforeseen circumstances, Britain’s 47-year membership of the bloc will come to an end next Friday”.
Celebrating the development, Johnson said: “At times it felt like we would never cross the Brexit finish line, but we’ve done it.” He added that the government could now “focus on delivering a bright, exciting future - with better hospitals and schools, safer streets and opportunity spread to every corner of our country”.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The government overturned five House of Lords amendments to the bill, including one that would have restored the right of unaccompanied child refugees to be reunited with their families in Britain.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Brussels officials are expected to sign the Brexit agreement in the coming days and MEPs will vote on it next week, although that vote is set to be a formality.
Belgian politician Charles Michel, who represents the 27 remaining states as president of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, are expected to sign the document.
The UK’s Lord Callanan, a Brexit minister, said: “The final stages of this bill represent something which many of us thought might never happen - parliament passing the legislation necessary to implement a Brexit deal and to finally deliver on the 2016 referendum.”
The BBC says the ratification process will be completed over the next week in time for the 31 January deadline. Both sides will enter into an 11-month transition period.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - March 29, 2025
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - my way or Norway, running orders, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 tactically sound cartoons about the leaked Signal chat
Cartoons Artists take on the clown signal, baby steps, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Roast lamb shoulder with ginger and fresh turmeric recipe
The Week Recommends Succulent and tender and falls off the bone with ease
By The Week UK Published
-
Has Starmer put Britain back on the world stage?
Talking Point UK takes leading role in Europe on Ukraine and Starmer praised as credible 'bridge' with the US under Trump
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Trump vows 25% tariffs on EU at Cabinet meeting
Speed Read The tariff threats serve to enhance a growing suspicion that the president views Europe as an adversary, not an ally
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Why are Europe's leaders raising red flags about Trump's Ukraine overtures to Putin?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION Officials from across the continent warn that any peace plan without their input is doomed from the start
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Left on read: Labour's WhatsApp dilemma
Talking Point Andrew Gwynne has been sacked as health minister over messages posted in a Labour WhatsApp group
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will Keir Starmer have to choose between the EU and the US?
Today's Big Question Starmer's 'reset' with the EU will focus on 'defence for trade' but an 'EU-hating' president in the White House could cause the PM trouble
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
New Year's Honours: why the controversy?
Today's Big Question London Mayor Sadiq Khan and England men's football manager Gareth Southgate have both received a knighthood despite debatable records
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is there a Christmas curse on Downing Street?
Today's Big Question Keir Starmer could follow a long line of prime ministers forced to swap festive cheer for the dreaded Christmas crisis
By The Week UK Published
-
Will Starmer's Brexit reset work?
Today's Big Question PM will have to tread a fine line to keep Leavers on side as leaks suggest EU's 'tough red lines' in trade talks next year
By The Week UK Published