As the clock struck 11pm GMT, the nation officially enacted the biggest constitutional change in living memory and, in doing so, became the first member state ever to leave the EU.

The momentous shift follows more than three years of political wrangling that has seen off two prime ministers and brought about radical change within the two main political parties.

The UK now enters a transition period that is due to run until the end of the year and during which the government is charged with the task of redrawing the country’s relationship with its closest neighbours.