Hello, I'm Debbie Russ with the BBC News.Customs checks are being stepped up on goods crossing the channel between Britain and France for the first time in decades as Britain adjusts to life outside the European Union.The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK now had freedom in its hands. Jessica Parker reports.Last night, following decades of membership, years of debate and points of political turmoil, the time came.While the UK left the EU last January, it was yesterday evening that the transition period ended, and largely brought that departure into effect.Boris Johnson described it as an amazing moment for the country. It is one that some will regard with huge optimism, others, with deep regret.Portugal has taken over the rotating presidency of the European Union with the main focus expected to be the block's recovery from the pandemic.During its 6 month term, Portugal must oversee the validation of member states' plans to use their share of the blocks recovery fund worth $900 billion.Sudan's acting Foreign Minister Omer Ismail has told the BBC that his country's army has changed and will protect civilians in Darfur despite fears voiced by local people.Mr. Ismail said he understood the concerns based on the actions of the previous government, but that the situation was now different.We give the guarantees that this army had changed, and it is going to protect them.
