That is because, while January 31 marks the date the break-up is effected, there is time till the end of this year for finalising it, which will happen when both sides work out the terms for parting ways and the crucial matter of trade, government and people-to-people ties. The more drastic changes are thus slated for December 31, 2020, but some things nonetheless will be different going ahead.
THINGS THAT WILL CHANGE
UK can have new trade partners, but won’t want to snub EU
As soon as the UK formally leaves EU on January 31 it can start negotiating trade deals with other countries. But EU accounts for about half of UK’s trade and PM Boris Johnson will no doubt try to make sure that it is cushioned against disruption.
UK’s Brexit department shuts down
The Department for Exiting the European Union, set up by former PM Theresa May in 2016, will be disbanded. A 40-member task force based out of Downing Street will handle upcoming negotiations with EU.
British diplomats in EU
Britain’s diplomatic presence in Brussels will be re-branded and British officials’ access to EU premises and information will be reduced.
UK MEPs lose their seats
UK’s 73 members of the European Parliament, including prominent figures like Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage, will lose their seats.
UK passport to change colour
As UK leaves EU, its new passports will be going back to their traditional blue rather thanburgundy, which is recommended, but not mandated, by EU rules.
Commemorative Brexit coins
Three million commemorative 50 pence coins inscribed with the date “31 January” and the text “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations” will enter circulation.
Fish as bargaining chips
Britain’s financial services sector, its biggest export industry, wouldn’t want to lose easy access to the EU, which has indicated it will use the threat of restricting access as leverage for wider demands, like fishing access to UK waters.
English Premier League could take a hit
When UK voted in favour of Brexit in 2016, all 20 Premier League clubs opposed it. New regulations will likely put stricter limits on the number and eligibility of foreign players and coaches allowed in the Premier League. Foreign managers like Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp may not qualify easily for UK jobs in the future.