THERE will be no fireworks, no street parties and no Big Ben bongs. Brexit will begin with "a whimper, not a bang", MPs were told.
The SNP’s Patrick Grady said he had been informed by UK ministers there would be no official ceremonies at all come 11pm on Friday March 29.
During Commons question-time, the Glasgow North MP claimed that the only people likely to be celebrating on departure day would be members of the European Research Group, the arch-Brexiteers led by Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.
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"It seems if Brexit does actually happen on March 29 this year, it will be a with a whimper, not a bang," declared Mr Grady.
"There will be very little to celebrate when or if Brexit day finally arrives but the news that there are no flag-lowering or any other official ceremonies planned will perhaps disappoint Brexiteers, who are convinced a glorious new era of splendid isolation awaits the UK.
"There may be some champagne supped by elite members of the ERG but I doubt there will be parties or rejoicing on the streets of towns and cities across the UK if the country crashes out with no-deal or even a version of the woeful deal negotiated by the PM."
Responding to a series of parliamentary questions, Michael Ellis, the Culture Minister, ruled out funding for communities to hold Brexit festivals, street parties or other events.
"There are no plans to make funding available for such events," he said.
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MPs were also told there was nothing planned for Parliament to mark exit day; Big Ben would not ring in the new chapter in Britain's history.
The only official plans to mark the occasion appear to be for the creation of a new 50p coin.
"Perhaps the real reason there are no plans for March 29 is because the Tory Government have known for some time that the date is completely unrealistic,” said Mr Grady.
"The House of Commons has already ruled out no-deal and the Prime Minister has now conceded that it will need to have a formal opportunity to extend Article 50,” he added.
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