Hope and worry as Brexit starts to get under way

It comes as Theresa May signed a letter triggering Article 50, the process to leave the European Union.

Ukip South East MEP Ray Finch said: ‘The outcome of Brexit must be a win/win. The British government must ensure that the negotiations result in real return of sovereignty.

‘We voted for Brexit for control of migration, stronger borders, return of our fisheries to UK control and to make our own laws.

‘While we are in the EU we cannot kick out those who govern us. With the restoration of power to Westminster we, the people, regain that power.

‘This is not about enmity. It is about letting the other 27 states go ahead with their future as we shall with ours.

‘We have always been the most reluctant member of the EU.

‘Now we can direct our resources where we choose and if the government does not do that, we are free to choose another who will do what we tell them.

‘This is no step into the unknown, we have been an independent country for more than 1,000 years. The last 40 were a step backwards. Now we can go forwards again.’

South East MEP Catherine Bearder, said figures show around £19,070m of goods are exported each year from the region to the single market.

She said: ‘Theresa May has chosen the hardest and most divisive form of Brexit, choosing to take us out of the single market before she has even tried to negotiate. This is a betrayal of the thousands of businesses in the south east who rely on trade with Europe.

‘The clock is now ticking on a hard Brexit – but it can still be stopped.’

The Liberat Democrat politician, who marched on Saturday to support the EU, added: ‘Someone will have the final say over our new deal with Europe. It could be politicians or it could be the people. We believe it should be the people.’