Despite the opposition, Brexit minister Stephen Barclay tweeted on Sunday he had signed a piece of legislation which set in stone the repeal of the 1972 European Communities Act (ECA) – the laws which made Britain a member of the organisation now known as the EU.
Though his move was largely procedural, in line with previously approved laws, Barclay said in a statement: “This is a clear signal to the people of this country that there is no turning back (from Brexit).”
“This is a landmark moment in taking back control of our law. It underlines that we are leaving the EU on October 31.” Barclay posted on Twitter alongside the image dated August 16.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also tweeted the image, saying “The signing of this document means we will take back control of our laws on Brexit day.”
The repeal of the ECA will take effect when Britain formally leaves the EU on October 31, a historic step in returning lawmaking powers from Brussels to the UK.