A Kent MP has called on people to "come together" as the UK prepares to leave the EU this evening.

The country will formally exit the bloc at 11pm following months of wrangling with European negotiators.

Gordon Henderson has been speaking to KMTV

Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP, Gordon Henderson, called on people to drop 'leaver' and 'remainer' titles and join forces.

He said: "We need to come together, move on and get the best possible trade deal.

"It's important that we expand our horizons beyond the EU.

"I'm pleased we're leaving and I think that at 11pm we'll go and it'll mean we're independent once again.

"This is a time for those who've campaigned to celebrate. There's nothing wrong with celebrating that success but it's not a time to be triumphalist, we've not won a war."

British negotiators now have until the end of the year to work with their colleagues on the continent and produce a trade deal.

"Not just the US and China but most importantly, I'd argue, our Commonwealth cousins," added Mr Henderson.

"They're crying out to have better trading relations."

Talking about how he would mark the UK's departure, he said: "I'm going to be opening a bottle of English sparking wine."

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