UK formally exits European Union as Brexit comes into force

London : Britain has formally made an exit from the European Union on Friday, putting an end to almost four decades of economic, political and legal integration with its closest neighbours.

But it is not likely that there will be sudden visible changes in the country as there is a big transition period in between.

After passing three Brexit deadlines, the British parliament finally ratified the divorce agreement.

It took 43 months for Britain to make an official exit after the country voted for Brexit in a June 2016 referendum.

Nothing will change for most people in Britain thanks to the transition period, which preserves the status quo until at least December 31, 2020.

But Britain will lose its representation and voting rights in the EU institutions. This includes having no British members of the European Parliament.