What time is Brexit happening and when is Boris Johnson's speech?

Today is Brexit Day, so the UK will finally leave the European Union, with the European parliament having approved Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal.

The day is being marked across the UK and in the EU, as the country prepares to enter a ‘transition period’ due to last until 31 December 2020 – during which many rules pertaining to freedom of movement will still apply.

But just what time is our actual departure scheduled for?

Here’s what you need to know.

What time will the UK leave the EU?

Exactly 1,318 days after the EU referendum on 23 June 2016, the UK will finally leave the European Union tonight.

The UK officially leaves the EU at 11pm – and Brexit will become a reality.

There will be a countdown clock projected onto 10 Downing Street from 10pm, alongside a red, white and blue light display, although this won’t be visible to the public as Downing Street is private property guarded by police.

Boris Johnson is understood to be hosting a private gathering inside Downing Street and is expected to deliver an address to the nation which is believed to be a pre-recorded speech.

The timings for this have not been confirmed but it is understood that it will be airing during BBC1’s coverage of Brexit Day, in their BBC News Special, airing from 10.35pm. to 11.15pm.

How is Brexit Day being celebrated?

Today three million Brexit 50p coins have been circulated, complete with the slogan ‘Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations’.

The author Phillip Pullman criticised the coin for its lack of an Oxford comma.

The Leave means Leave organisation will host celebrations in London’s Parliament Square, under the watchful eye of Winston Churchill’s statue.

Nigel Farage said, in reference to the celebrations: ‘It will be celebratory. There will be music and singing. It will be a good-natured, upbeat, optimistic genuine celebration with no direct political edge whatsoever.’

Meanwhile, the mayor of London Sadiq Khan will be hosting a City Hall event, inviting Europeans living in the capital to hear free advice on the EU Settlement Scheme from immigration lawyers. In addition there will be free emotional support services.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, has said she’ll fly the EU flag above Scottish government headquarters, whilst senior SNP figures plan to attend vigils throughout the country.
The Leavers of Britain will host several ‘Independence Day’ events in celebration.
Aside from these commemorative activities, Brexit Day will be like any other day.
The real changes due to Brexit won’t be experienced until the transition period ends on December 31, 2020.