Brexit Finally happen this night, as we move forward expect more 'bumps in the road' and then we need unity-Boris Johnson

The PM,Boris shunned triumphalism despite the UK finally leaving the EU when the clock struck 11pm after four years of turmoil, said this in his address.

Boris Johnson tonight vowed Brexit will 'unleash' Britain but warned there will be more 'bumps in the road' - as the historic moment arrived.

Instead he appealed for unity - and insisted he recognised that not everyone was delighted with the path the country is taking. Mr Johnson said the EU had 'admirable' qualities but was going in a direction that 'no longer suits' the UK.

While speaking from Downing Street in the pre-recorded message - but notably without any patriotic backdrop - the premier said it was crucial to take advantage of reclaiming sovereignty to 'level up' the country, and improve life in left-behind areas.

'For many people this is an astonishing moment of hope, a moment they thought would never come,' he said.

'And there are many of course who feel a sense of anxiety and loss.

'Then of course there is a third group – perhaps the biggest – who had started to worry that the whole political wrangle would never come to an end.

'I understand all those feelings, and our job as the government – my job – is to bring this country together now and take us forward.'

He voiced pride that he was able to 'obey' the verdict of the British people, but stressed the legal exit from the EU was 'not an end but a beginning'.

'This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act in our great national drama,' he said.