Brexit - what is the current state of play?

Initially scheduled for the end of March 2019, the withdrawal of the UK from the EU (Brexit) was postponed three times and only took effect on 31 January 2020, following a transitional period. The Withdrawal Agreement covers various issues including the protection of the rights of EU citizens in the UK and British citizens living in EU countries, post-Brexit financial commitments, and border questions on the island of Ireland. An agreement on the future relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom was approved on 27 April 2021 by the European Parliament. Brexit not only gave rise to political and institutional upheavals; it also had another long-term consequence, namely a polarisation and division of British society that goes beyond generational divisions, socio-professional contexts and political and ideological leanings. Whether for or against, the discussions about this divorce are as heated as ever and the arguments on both sides are becoming increasingly entrenched.