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At the age of 20, in June of 1975, I became one of the young people who voted to confirm our membership of the European Union. In 2016, my generation voted to bring us back out. Why did we change our minds? There are several reasons, but the main one is simply our loss of sovereignty.

I was personally comfortable with sharing sovereignty. The European states were democratic, I felt there was common cause between us, we had a shared interest in an enduring peace between us, and nationalism seemed an unmitigated evil, especially when combined with an ideology.

My own comfort gradually disappeared as it became clearer that our lives were increasingly being shaped by officials whom we had not elected. We had joined the Common Market and been told that it was all about free trade, which always sounds like a good thing.

Half the Labour Party was opposed to it, however. Remainers have enjoyed depicting Leavers as little Englanders and rightwingers, but there are also impeccable leftwing reasons for opposing membership.

I remember the big posters enjoining us to Say no to the Bosses Europe, and the Labour manifesto of 1983 declaring that we would leave if they were elected. They were worried about food pricing, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and restrictions on socialist industrial policy.

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Why I changed my mind on the European Union - Telegraph.co.uk

Pro-European Dundonians will mark the UKs departure from the EU with a candlelit vigil in the city centre.

Europhiles are gathering in City Square at 5pm tomorrow, six hours before the UK officially leaves the EU, to mark the end of the 47-year membership.

The Dundee and Angus Independence Group, behind the event, intends to recreate the EU flag in candles before congregating at the steps of the McManus Galleries to have a lone piper mark the occasion.

Meanwhile, Dundee City Council will light the Caird Hall, Seabraes, Dundee House, Dundee railway station and Slessor Gardens blue in solidarity with the EU. The City of Discovery voted to remain in 2016s referendum.

Lynne Short, council equalities spokeswoman, believes it is important the occasion is marked.

We want to show the strength of our feelings and to protest at what is being done to us, she said.

We also hope to send a message of solidarity, support and friendship to our EU citizens and maybe even beyond, to other EU countries, through social media.

From my point of view as equalities spokesperson I want to send the message that no matter where you come from, if Dundee is your home then you are welcome here, just as I was welcomed as an EU citizen when I lived in mainland Europe.

Jane Phillips, organiser of the event, added: Were devastated this is happening I feel its so sad to be taking away the cooperation and friendship and the other good things about Europe.

Pro-European locals have expressed concerns at what the future holds for a Dundee outside of Europe.

Scientist Emma Sands, 24, said European colleagues were planning their departures.

She said: Its all people talk about at lunchtime in work. And weve already lost so much funding and talent coming to the UK. I have an Italian colleague who is learning German so he can go and work in Germany instead of staying here.

Teenager Brogan Connolly said: Were losing potential partnerships and opportunities. Its unlikely I will be working or studying in a European country in the future.

Will Dawson, Brexit working group chairman, has written to both the UK and Scottish governments to request ongoing participation in the Erasmus+ student exchange programme.

It enables youngsters to study, work, teach and train in other countries signed up to the scheme.

Mr Dawson, who has addressed his letter directly to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Prime Minister Boris Johnson, says educational establishments have strongly benefited from the scheme to the tune of 3.7 million since 2014.

Of Fridays plans, he said: My biggest regret about this whole situation is with regards to the opportunities that our young people will lose.

Things such as the right of free movement which has been enshrined in the EU and allowed people to learn, live, work and travel in Europe without barriers.

What must be remembered in all of this though is that Dundee is very much a European and international city, with strong ties to Poland and twin cities in France, Croatia and Germany.

It is a melting pot of different nationalities, languages and customs and despite our leaving the EU, everyone is welcome to both Dundee and Scotland.

The direct impact of Brexit on Dundee is yet to be fully ascertained, though the council has warned of significant financial and operational risks associated with the planned EU exit.

Exactly how the city will be affected over time is expected to become clear as negotiations continue between the UK Government and the European Union over the countrys future relationship with the bloc.

Ms Short added: The Brexit briefings we receive as councillors are revised right up to the line. Theyre still working on them right up to the point were given them.

As of 11pm this Friday January 31 the UK is no longer part of the EU. From now until December 31, the country enters into a transition period, during which intense negotiations will take place between the UK Government and the EU. During this time, the UK will continue to follow EU rules.

No. The Withdrawl Agreement Bill passed earlier this month in Parliament writes into law the decision to leave the European Union. Negotiations between now and the end of the year could see a deal agreed, or could see the UK crash out without a future trading agreement in place (a no-deal Brexit).

Alongside trading arrangements, the UK needs to come to agreements with the EU on things like how data will be shared, access to fishing waters and citizens future rights.

In a word, no. Sovereignty of the UK is an issue reserved to the UK Government. MSPs in Holyrood voted earlier this month not to recognise the Withdrawl Agreement Bill that will take the UK out of the EU. But in a letter sent to Scottish minister Mike Russell after the vote, Brexit secretary Steve Barclay said the government would press ahead with the WAB all the same despite the fact it would breach constitutional conventions.

Continued here:
Brexit vigil planned as Dundee says goodbye to the European Union - Evening Telegraph

The United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union some 3-and-a-half years after the country voted to leave including 49,173 people living on the Isle of Wight.

In June 2016, the Isle of Wight firmly voted to leave the EU with 49,173 Islanders deciding to vote leave, against 30,207 votes to remain a leave vote of 61.95%. Since then, the Island has backed Conservative MP and Brexiteer Bob Seely not once, but twice in the General Election.

Earlier tonight the Prime Minister addressed the nation as Downing Street was lit up with a rememberable light show. He said that this is the dawn of a new era and that he will bring this country together and take us forward.

Throughout today Union Jacks have been flying in Parliament Square and across the country. In addition, a staggering 3 million brand new 50p Brexit coins entered circulation.

As Friday turns into Saturday nothing changes. However, over the next 11 months, the Government will be working to plan our the future relationship with the EU and agree trade deals with the world. The real changes will come in 2021.

Island Echo has been flying the Union Jack on the website header throughout the day to make this historic day.

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WE'RE OUT! UK LEAVES THE EUROPEAN UNION 3-AND-A-HALF YEARS AFTER REFERENDUM - Island Echo

Stoke fan Rob Evans arrived at the Metrobar Brexit party in Derby wearing a Boris Johnson mask, Amy Jones reports.

The 29-year-old, who works in sport, clutched a pint and a jagerbomb and repeatedly muttered "Brexit means Brexit".

"This is Boris' Britain. I'm actually delighted that it's done," he added.

His friend Rob Doe, also from Stoke-on-Trent, said he was "happy" Brexit was finally over the line.

The 37-year-old retail administrator said: "I actually voted Remain in 2016, but it's been going on for so long that I'm just happy it's over.

"It was a democratic decision. I think everyone should be pleased that it's finally sorted, it's time for us to move on. I think we should celebrate tonight, it's a historic occasion."

In the Derby bar the DJ played a selection of songs that gave a nod to the historic occasion. Brexit fans waved Union flags to Steps track Better Best Forgotten and Keane's Everybody's Changing.

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UK exits European Union with parties across the country - Telegraph.co.uk

Ahead of the UKs imminent departure from the European Union this week, arch Brexiteer Nigel Farage has revealed what he will miss about working in the European Parliament.

Speaking to LBC earlier today, Farage who has been a Member of European Parliament since 1999 said that he would particularly miss the social perks of being an MEP.

I will miss ironically Strasbourg, he said.

For those that havent been, it really is worth coming here and the wine tour in the Voges mountains. It really is worth visiting. Alsace is lovely. The food. I love regional food, seasonal food, all of thats wonderful.

Farage then attempted to justify his personal extravagance by saying it was payback for having to work 13 hours a day as an MEP. For the record, Farage has the 67th worst plenary attendance record out of 72 current British MEPs, and the 733rd worst record out of all MEPs.

The Brexit Party leader added, however, that he wouldnt miss Brussels, claiming the city is deteriorating in the most extraordinary way, and that hes been mugged three times in the area.

I wont miss Brussels one little bit, Farage said.

We doubt it will miss him, either.

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Nigel Farage reveals what he will miss about the European Union - Scram News