'Over and out': emotional British MEPs attend final EU debate

Politicians sing Auld Lang Syne in raw end to a banal debate where the result was never in doubt

• The highs and lows of Britain's 47 years in the EEC and EU

The result was never in doubt. The European parliament voted for the Brexit withdrawal agreement on Wednesday, sealing the UK's divorce from the European Union after 47 years.

When the result flashed up on big screens in the Brussels debating chamber - 621 in favour, 49 against and 13 abstentions - MEPs broke into a chorus of Auld Lang Syne. Some were wearing blue and red scarves that merged the union jack and European flag together. Many linked arms. Most appeared to be joining in - a German MEP had circulated the words in advance.