Britain completes its economic separation from the European Union

London – Britain has completed its economic break with the European Union, ending its 48-year partnership with the trading bloc and starting a new and more distant relationship with its continental neighbors.

The formal separation took place at 11pm on Thursday, London time. The UK left the single market and the customs union, which allows people, goods and services to flow freely through more than two dozen countries.

A different trade agreement come into force, bringing new restrictions and bureaucracy. But for Brexit supporters, the deal regains national independence in the face of the Brussels-based bloc.

Britain left the EU politically almost a year ago, but remained as part of its economic structures until the end of 2020.