Brexiteers got their long-awaited celebration late on Friday, but for remainers, it was a bleak moment Britain leaves the EU divided over one of the most dramatic shifts in its recent history. Lucy Fielder reports. Nostalgia, patriotism and defiance as the clock strikes Brexit. For its supporters, a long-awaited celebration outside parliament, led by Mr Brexit, Nigel Farage.The United Kingdom slipped out of the European Union late on Friday, turning its back on the project to build a united power from the ruins of World War Two. Brexit is Britain's biggest shift since it lost its global empire. Remainers fear shrinking influence, and the loss of freedom of movement. Epic opportunity or grave mistake -- Brexit has deeply divided Britain. Britain enters a transition that will keep it a member until the end of the year in all but name. Copyright: (c) 2020 Thomson Reuters, unless otherwise identified. PHOTO: People wave flags as they celebrate Britain leaving the EU on Brexit day in London, Britain, January 31, 2020. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls