BREXIT will finally happen when Britain leaves the European Union at 11pm tonight - but Inverclyde's MP believes it will be an historic moment for all the wrong reasons.

Ronnie Cowan is concerned about the level of uncertainty surrounding the UK's departure from the EU and the impact it will have on local businesses and individuals.

While Brexit becomes official from 11pm, there will be a transition period until December 31 during which time the finer details of Britain's exit and future relations with the Europe will be ironed out.

Things are expected to remain largely the same in the meantime, but the area's MP remains sceptical.

Mr Cowan said: "Although we're very aware this will be an historic moment, we know everything is potentially going to change and it's that potential that's the worry.

"Local companies have grave concerns.

"That can be seen as scaremongering but these people know their businesses, they deal with the EU and know what components or ingredients they buy in so there's a lot of uncertainty."

From tonight, Britain's representatives in the European Parliament lose their seats, there will be no more automatic representation at EU summits and the UK Government department set up to deal with Brexit will be shut down.

Traditional blue passports will soon start to replace the current burgundy ones, which remain valid until they run out, but travelling to the EU will stay the same with no additional checks or restrictions.

Firms will also continue to trade with the continent as normal and valid driving licences and European health insurance cards (EHIC) will still be accepted in EU countries post-Brexit.

During the transition period, the UK will also continue to contribute to the EU budget.

Mr Cowan said: "That's the aspiration, that things will continue as normal in the meantime, but we're out of the EU and we're negotiating now.

"Things could go - and I'm not saying they will, I don't want to scare people - but things could go wrong very quickly."

Asked whether Brexit could actually be beneficial to the UK with freedom now to strike trade deals with countries like America and Australia as well as the EU, Mr Cowan says he holds out hope but the government's track record thus far leaves him completely unconvinced.

The MP said: "Of course we can do trade deals with other countries. Can we negotiate things? Wll you'd like to think so but show me it working and I'll have more faith in it but so far they've failed to do it.

"You have to negotiate and they've not shown any acumen of negotiations over the last three years."

*For more from Mr Cowan on Britain's historic departure from the EU turn to page 18 for his latest Westminster Message.