‘The day we said goodbye’: Newspapers react to Britain leaving the EU

Round-up of national coverage as the country wakes up to life outside the bloc

There has been a mixed reaction from the country’s newspapers as Britain begins life outside the EU after 47 years.

The Guardian’s front page leads with a piece reflecting the country’s varied feelings towards Brexit day, claiming for some it was “Independence Day” while for others it was “a national bereavement” accompanied by the headline: “The day we said goodbye.”

The i’s weekend edition asks “what next?” while the Daily Mirror shifts the pressure to London, demanding: “Now build the Britain we were promised.”

The Independent presents its “Brexit Blueprint” on “how to get it right”, while the Financial Times says Britain’s “tumultuous” membership has ended with a headline simply stating: “Britain finally cuts EU ties.”

The Sun leads with prime minister Boris Johnson’s plea to “bring the UK together” with the headline “make leave not war”.

And the Daily Express has dedicated its first 11 pages to Britain leaving the bloc in a “historic Brexit edition” accompanied by the headline: “Rise and shine… it’s a glorious new Britain.”

The Daily Mail, however, leads on Britain’s two confirmed coronavirus cases, asking “how many more UK victims of virus – although it does offer readers a “free Brexit tea towel”.

The Daily Star also steps away from Brexit, claiming “on this historic day, we’ve got the big story” as it focuses on TV presenter Declan Donnelly praising The Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick for saving his dog’s life.