European Parliament backs UK's withdrawal from EU

BRUSSELS, (Patria) - The European Parliament supported the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union with 621 votes in favour, 49 against and 13 abstentions. The approval of the European Parliament and the formal consent of the Council is the last legal procedure necessary for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union at midnight on 31 January.

British MEPs, depending on their political affiliations, either announced celebrations for Friday at midnight or told the EU they would return.

"We are all deeply saddened that we have come to this point where a country that has long been a member is leaving the EU family. We have always fully respected the decision of the British people. You are our partners and allies and we will always have close relations. You are leaving the EU, but you will always be part of Europe," said European Parliament President David Sassoli after the vote.

The European Parliament planned a ceremony for 1 February to lower the flag of the United Kingdom, which stood alongside the flags of the other 27 member states in front of the Parliament building in Brussels. The British flag will be included in the collection of the Museum of European History, located in the immediate vicinity of the European Parliament in Brussels.

The withdrawal agreement reached by the European Union and the United Kingdom provides for the protection of the rights of citizens of EU member states who remain in the UK after Brexit and vice versa. Financial obligations that London must settle with the Union were also agreed upon, as well as the future functioning of the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The European Commission is expected to present a plan for negotiations on future relations between London and Brussels by March.

With the UK's exit from the EU, the composition and size of the European Parliament will change, dropping from 751 to 705 MEPs.

After the departure of 73 British MEPs, 27 seats will be filled by MEPs from 14 other member states, while 46 seats will await representatives of "possible future member states."