Sunderland still backs Brexit as UK formally leaves European Union

Sunderland voters are pleased to see Brexit day arrive as the UK prepares to formally leave the EU.
The British flag flies among flags of member states of the European Union outside the European Parliament on January 30, 2020 in Brussels, Belgium, the day before the Parliament ratified the Brexit agreement. It will allow the United Kingdom to leave the EU at midnight on Friday, Janury 31, with a legislative framework agreed on between the two entities.  (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)The British flag flies among flags of member states of the European Union outside the European Parliament on January 30, 2020 in Brussels, Belgium, the day before the Parliament ratified the Brexit agreement. It will allow the United Kingdom to leave the EU at midnight on Friday, Janury 31, with a legislative framework agreed on between the two entities.  (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
The British flag flies among flags of member states of the European Union outside the European Parliament on January 30, 2020 in Brussels, Belgium, the day before the Parliament ratified the Brexit agreement. It will allow the United Kingdom to leave the EU at midnight on Friday, Janury 31, with a legislative framework agreed on between the two entities. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

In the June 2016 referendum vote, leave won by a margin of 22% in the city, with 61% of voters (82,394) coming out in support of leaving the EU.

As the UK approaches the formal exit from the EU at 11pm today, Friday, January 31, we asked if people were pleased to see the day arrive.

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Of our readers, 867 – 31% – said they weren’t happy to see it happen, while 1,900 – 69% - said they welcomed the move.

Among those to voice support for the decision to leave was Russell Adey, who said: “Yes, it's absolutely brilliant we are leaving.”

Sandra Davies added: “Waited three years for democracy to be finally reached,” while David Robson said: “Would have been happier if this had happened three years ago.”

However, some voiced their views that it would not be good for the city.

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Among them was Mira Tömbii Tate, who said: “You'll be the first to moan when Nissan goes bye-bye and our economy goes up the swanny.

“Watching you lot suffer will be delightful, because you don't have a clue what you voted for. And still don't.”

Nathan David wrote: “Still not one of the pro-Brexit lot can give us one benefit of leaving the EU.

“These people are the same I’m alright Jacks who believe any negative impacts of Brexit wont impact them. They are wrong.”