Britain's EU Journey: When Brexit chaos ensued

Britain's EU Journey: When Brexit chaos ensued

SeattlePI.com

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LONDON (AP) — Britain officially leaves the European Union on Friday after a debilitating political period that has bitterly divided the nation since the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Difficult negotiations setting out the new relationship between Britain and its European neighbors will continue throughout 2020.

This series of stories chronicles Britain’s tortured relationship with Europe from the post-World War II years to the present.

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If Britain's Brexit referendum revealed a nation divided, the ensuing three and a half years of figuring out how the country should actually leave the European Union have showcased all the fissures running through the fabric of British society.

Chasms between young and old, city and country, rich and poor. Take your pick.

The time since the Brexit vote in June 2016 has involved unprecedented levels Parliamentary rancor, public anger and distrust th at raise real questions about the ability of anyone to bring the country together again anytime soon.

Irreconcilable differences of opinion, and not just on Brexit, can be just that — irreconcilable.

The British Parliament was the main venue where much of this Brexit psychodrama played out. No gathering of lawmakers or TV broadcasters would be complete without protests by the “Stop Brexit Man,” also known as Steve Bray, and his simple and booming message relayed through a foghorn.

The Brexit process, with hindsight, could have played out in any number of ways. It could have been more consensual but that opportunity wasn't long for the taking.

Prime Minister Theresa May, who succeeded David Cameron after he announced his upcoming resignation on the steps of 10 Downing Street on June 24, 2016, must take her share of the blame for the chaos that ensued.

May, who in the referendum...

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