Britain leaves the EU

At New Year 2021, the UK's relationship with Europe changed. The UK stopped following EU rules at midnight, European time.

British people had voted for this in June 2016. The decision was called Brexit.

The UK and the EU needed to decide their future relationship. The discussions took a long time. The biggest problems were free movement and trade. Eventually, they made an agreement. Products are able to travel between the EU and UK without extra taxes.

There are added controls on all trade. Checks are made at ports and airports. This has increased paperwork and business costs and slows down trade. But on New Year's Day, ports reported no delays.

British people still don't agree on Brexit. The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, thinks Brexit will bring the UK more opportunities.

British citizens are no longer allowed to spend unlimited time in the EU. There are more rules about travel with pets. EU visitors to Britain could also experience delays.

The British territory of Gibraltar, which is next to Spain, was also an issue. It has now become part of Europe's free movement area.

Businesses are opening after the Christmas break. They will feel the first effects of the UK's decision.

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