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This is the moving moment pro-Remain MEPs burst into a chorus of Auld Lang Syne as the European Parliament signed off on the Withdrawal Agreement.
MEPs in Brussels on Wednesday voted for the agreement by 621 votes to 49, ratifying the plans which will see January 31 mark the UK’s official departure date from the European Union.
After the vote, MEPs stood, holding hands, joining in an emotional chorus of Auld Lang Syne.
Some were seen wearing or holding blue and red scarves bearing the Union Jack that read: Always United.
Speaking after the vote, European Parliament President David Sassoli said MEPs were “deeply saddened” to see the UK leave the EU.
Paying tribute to the departing UK members, he said: “We truly appreciate all the work you have done over the last few years.
“You are leaving the European Union, but you will still be part of Europe”.
Quoting Labour MP Jo Cox, who was murdered during the Brexit campaign, he added: “We have a lot more in common that what divides us.”
In contrast, Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage was greeted by cheers and the waving of Union Flags by his party’s MEPs as he declared Britain was “never coming back” during his final speech to the Parliament.
The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said during his speech: “In this new beginning I would really and sincerely like to wish the UK well.”
Referring to the referendum, he said: “Many of us here regret that decision. We continue to regret the vote, but we respect it.
