Brexit: UK formally separates from EU

A new era has begun for the United Kingdom after it completed its formal separation from the European Union.

The UK stopped following EU rules at 2300 GMT.

The post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and EU takes effect at 2300 GMT on Thursday after it was signed into law.

The UK and the EU are still in talks to try to secure a post-Brexit trade deal. If no agreement is reached by 31 December, charges will be introduced on many goods traded between the UK and the EU.

The UK government has said that it is "determined" to reach a deal with the EU, but the EU has said that it is "not prepared" to compromise on its key principles.

The outcome of the negotiations will have a significant impact on the UK's economy and its relationship with the EU.

The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, after a referendum in 2016 in which 52% of voters voted to leave.

The UK and the EU then entered into a transition period, during which the UK continued to follow EU rules and regulations.

The transition period ended on 31 December 2020, and the UK is now fully outside the EU.

The UK is now negotiating a new trade deal with the EU. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the UK's economy and its relationship with the EU.