Summary

  • The UK left the EU at 23:00 GMT

  • Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the "dawn of a new era" in a video message

  • Brexiteers celebrated at a rally in a packed Parliament Square, London

  • Earlier, supporters of the EU held a procession through Whitehall to "bid a fond farewell" to the union

  • Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn urged the country not to "turn inwards" after it leaves the bloc

  • Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says Brexit day is a "pivotal moment" for Scotland and the UK

Live Reporting

Kate Whannel, Becky Morton, Martha Buckley, Alice Cuddy and Gavin Stamp

  1. 'Everything and nothing will change'

    Laura Kuenssberg
    BBC political editor

    Parliament squareEPA

    What will change? Well, everything and nothing. Today, the UK is embarking on a totally different course.

    We are unplugging from the legal and political infrastructure that we have been part of for four decades. Do not underestimate how big a step it is.

    The general election result confirmed the decision that the UK made in 2016 narrowly, to leave the European Union.

    That creates opportunity and extra freedoms. Laws decided in our Parliament will be supreme.

    Our departure makes for added risk too. We are taking a huge step without clarity about exactly what is next.

    Read more from Laura here.

  2. EU presidents: 'A new dawn for Europe'

    Ursula von der Leyen, David Sassoli and Charles MichelReuters

    Ursula von der Leyen, David Sassoli and Charles Michel are the presidents of the EU institutions

    The presidents of the European Council, European Parliament and European Commission have written a joint article promising "a new dawn for Europe" after Brexit.

    In the article, published in a number of papers across the EU, Charles Michel, David Sassoli and Ursula von der Leyen say today "will inevitably be a day of reflection and mixed emotions".

    The presidents praise the UK and its people for their "creativity, ingenuity, culture, and traditions" that they say have been "a vital part of our Union’s tapestry".

    But while they have "always deeply regretted the UK’s decision to leave", they say they have "always fully respected it too".

    The trio say now is the time that the EU member states "need to look to the future and build a new partnership between enduring friends".

    They add: "How close that partnership is will depend on decisions that are still to be taken. Because every choice has a consequence.

    "We do not underestimate the task that lies before us but we are confident that with goodwill and determination we can build a lasting, positive and meaningful partnership."

  3. Cameron: 'Big day for our country'

    David Cameron

    It was former Tory Prime Minister David Cameron who called the referendum in 2016, setting the date for 23 June that year.

    Love him or loathe him, he is sure to have marked his place in history with the life-changing decision.

    Speaking to reporters this morning, he says it is “a very big day for our country”.

    He adds: “Obviously I led the campaign to stay in, but I always accepted the referendum result and knew this day would come.

    “And as I said at the time of the referendum, we're one of the biggest economies in the world - perhaps the sixth biggest economy in the world. We can make a success of the choice that we make.

    “And I’m sure that’s exactly what we will do and I wish the government well in all their endeavours to make sure that happens."

  4. Good morning

    BrexitPA Media

    Welcome to our live page as the UK bids farewell - fond or not - to the European Union.

    We will leave the bloc at 23:00 GMT tonight, more than three years after the country voted to go it alone.

    The day will be filled with events to mark the occasion, with both celebrations and commiserations up and down the country.

    So follow us as we say auf wiedersehen, adieu and adios to the EU.