How, for one day, the European parliament became a tribute act to Westminster

The most touching contributions as the UK took its leave were from continental MEPs bidding their British colleagues farewell

MEPs wear friendship scarves in Brussels on Wednesday (AFP/Getty)

The European parliament is normally a pretty clinical affair, at least by comparison to Westminster’s gothic pantomime. Housed in what is essentially a modern office building, its proceedings match the setting: generally pretty dry.

This week has been an exception, however. As British MEPs gave their last speeches on Wednesday night there were tears both on the floor of the debating chamber, and in the gallery overhead.

Whether you found MEPs’ rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” to bid their British colleagues farewell powerful or cringeworthy will probably depend on your view of Brexit. But watching from the gallery, it was evident from the faces on those singing that it meant something to them.