A day of symbolism , not change

1,317 days after the UK voted to leave the EU, the referendum result will finally be implemented at 11pm tonight. In economic, trading and all manner of practical matters, nothing will change, thanks to the transition period that locks everything in standstill for the rest of 2020. But January 31 is deeply symbolic: a moment when the Brexit debate ends and (hopefully) offers a reset for our increasingly rancorous discourse. 

Today is set to be an odd historic moment for Britain. The national mood appears to be relief for some, sadness for others, all mixed with uncertainty. Having milled around the departure lounge for three and a half years, we have gone through security and made it to the gate. There is no going back. But we have yet to board the flight and the final destination is still unknown.

Departure day is something both sides of the Brexit debate are eager to play down (zealots naturally excepted). For unrequited Remainers, it is a day of deep sadness and disappointment, even though most accept that the UK’s immediate future is outside of the bloc and rejoining is a debate for another day. But many Brexiters are taking a similarly low key approach to the day, accepting the need for some national healing and not to rub their success in the face of their opponents. 

The fact that gloating appears to be kept to a minimum suggests Britain’s societal fabric is not entirely shredded. As a country, we still have respect for our political opponents and it is heartening to see that tradition re-emerge on what could be a day of division and anger. Brexit above all else is about identity, not trade or economics. This explains why the country has been so split and efforts for national reconciliation have failed. This has made Britain weary, hence why millions voted to give Boris Johnson’s Conservatives a thumping majority in December’s general election to end the stalemate. 

Mr Johnson is speaking to this restrained mood. There are Union Jacks flying across the capital, a countdown clock at Downing Street and an address to the nation tonight. Channelling his hero Winston Churchill, the prime minister will declare “this is not an end but a beginning”. No 10 is similarly eager to avoid triumphalism: their constant use of focus groups will no doubt have reported that the nation simply wants to move on. 

The real day of change, however, is not far away. Keen observers of Brexit will know that Brexit never really ends; it is simply a continuous cycle of deadlines, followed by talks, followed by more deadlines and talks. This cycle will begin again on Monday, when attention immediately moves to future UK-EU relations and sealing that trade deal by December