Brexit deal becomes UK law, paving way for EU departure next week

Tory backbenchers hail the "promise made, promise delivered", while an opposition MP calls it a "moment of huge regret".

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate with flags outside the House of Parliament on March 11, 2019 in London, England. Talks between the UK and the EU resume today before MPs in Parliament vote on British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal tomorrow. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
Image: Brexit is due to happen in eight days
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Boris Johnson's Brexit deal has officially become UK law, paving the way for the country to leave the EU next week.

The prime minister's Withdrawal Agreement Act was signed off by the Queen on Thursday after completing its journey through parliament.

Commons deputy speaker Nigel Evans announced the news to MPs on Thursday afternoon.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves number 10 Downing Street in central London on January 15, 2020, to take part in the Prime Minister Question (PMQ) session in the House of Commons. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Image: Boris Johnson's election win handed him a large Tory majority

Tory backbenchers welcomed the announcement, with tweets such as "it is done" and "promise made, promise delivered".

But pro-EU politicians were less pleased, Labour MP Rachael Maskell saying the deal should have been "put to the people for a final say" and the Greens' Caroline Lucas calling it a "a moment of huge regret".

It marks the UK clearing one of the final key hurdles on its path to leaving the EU on 31 January.

Brussels still needs to take a few more steps for it to formalise the agreement in international law.

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Moment MPs approve the Brexit deal bill

Mr Johnson tried in October to push his Brexit deal bill through the Commons in a matter of days, after managing to strip out its most controversial part known as "the backstop".

But MPs complained they were not getting enough time to scrutinise the updated agreement, forcing the prime minister to ask Brussels for a third Brexit delay to avoid no-deal.

The deadline was pushed back to 31 January and with the threat of food, fuel and drug shortages abated, Labour agreed to the Tories' call for a snap election to break the deadlock.

When polling day came on 12 December, Mr Johnson won the Conservatives' best result since 1987 and returned to the Commons with an 80-strong majority.

He promised to "end the deadlock" in British politics by delivering Brexit.

MP Liz Saville-Roberts holds a copy of the Withdrawal Agreement outside the Houses of Parliament in London ahead of Prime Minister Boris Johnson delivering a statement in the House of Commons on his new Brexit deal after the EU Council summit, on what has been dubbed "Super Saturday".
Image: The withdrawal agreement was partially renegotiated in October

After the Christmas break, MPs re-assembled in Westminster and the Brexit deal bill comfortably passed all its major legislative hurdles.

They voted down various attempts by the House of Lords to amend the legislation, including one calling for the restoration of unaccompanied child refugees to be reunited with their families in the UK post-Brexit.

Listen to "Details of Saracens scandal, and Brexit deal gets royal assent" on Spreaker.

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While the UK will have formally left the EU on 1 February, an 11-month transition period will then kick in meaning it stays inside the single market and customs union.

Negotiations will be hammered out to try and secure a new deal on the future relationship including a trade deal by the end of 2020.

Brexit Night Live: Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January