United, fragmented

On Brexit day, THE WEEK landed in London to gauge the mood of the people. While there is cheer over taking back control from the European Union, there is also fear over what the future holds for Britain.

- ANITA PRATAP/London

It was the moment when everything and nothing changed.

Britain left the European Union to become an independent trading nation. But nothing changed because the current transition period lasts until December 31. That is when Brexit really happens, when Britain walks out of the idea of a united Europe, after having shared the dream for nearly half a century. Rejoiced Prime Minister Boris Johnson, “This is a fantastic moment in the life of our country. There are very few moments in our lives which really can be called a historic turning point—and this is it.”

It is a turning point, but some wonder whether the turn is forwards or backwards. No doubts smouldered in Parliament Square, where I mingled with ecstatic Brexiters on January 31, celebrating without fireworks or booze, but with flags and placards, chanting: “Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the waves; Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.” This was the venue of the sole public festivities. Dressed up in Union Jack regalia, town crier Tony Appleton exulted, “The war is over. We have won. We are free. We are our own boss.” This was Britain’s war to “take back control” from the EU. “We did it. We did it. Boris did it,” revellers chanted.

“No one ever put up a statue of a journalist,” Johnson famously said, explaining his passage from journalism into politics. In making history by delivering Brexit after a resounding election victory, Johnson could earn a statue, close to his hero Winston Churchill’s in Parliament Square. Johnson uncorked a £350 bottle of French red wine given by a donor and then celebrated with his cohorts with English sparkling wine in 10 Downing Street.