NORTH-East UKIP MEP Jonathan Arnott urged the Government to respect the wishes of the people in the EU referendum.

He said: “This is a tremendous day for Britain and for our democratic process.

“The people of the North-East have led the way in voting clearly for Brexit. The British people as a whole have spoken and we have regained control over our own destiny.

“Now the hard work begins: we must now deal with our European colleagues as friends and neighbours and negotiate a deal for the future which allows us to trade freely with the EU, control our borders and work together for our mutual benefit.

“I am immensely proud of everyone who worked tirelessly to achieve this referendum result. We must now be vigilant to ensure that our government sticks to its promises and respects the result of the referendum.”