Britain completes its economic separation from the European Union

London Britain has completed its economic break with the European Union, ended its 48-year association with the trade bloc, and entered into a new and more distant relationship with its continental neighbors.

The formal divorce took place at 11 p.m. London time on Thursday. The UK has left the Internal Market and the Customs Union, allowing people, goods and services to flow freely through more than two dozen countries.

Another trade agreement entered into force, with new restrictions and red tape. But for Brexit supporters, the deal restores the national independence of the Brussels-based bloc.

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