Jubilant Brexit backers descend on Parliament for 'most exciting moment of their life'

Brexit supporters gathered in Parliament Square today as Britain edged towards the EU departure door.

Jubilant Leavers began arriving from mid-morning, singing “Rule Britannia” beneath Winston Churchill’s statue.

Some were wrapped in Union flags or dressed in suits made up of the British emblem as they chanted: “What do we want? Brexit! When do we want it? Now!”

Clare Fawcett, 47, a personal assistant from Southampton, said: “It’s bloody amazing, this is the most excited I have ever felt in my life.

“I have never looked forward to something as much as this, ever.

“There were times I thought it wouldn’t happen and democracy would die. But today, democracy is being delivered.

“It makes me very proud to be British.”

Clare admitted Brexit was “a leap into the unknown”, but added: “I’m confident the great British people will make this a success.”

Demonstrators held placards bearing anti-EU messages including “EU no more”, “Independence Day”, “Lock up the traitors” and “Let’s go WTO” in a reference to the UK reverting to World Trade Organisation rules.

Ten Union flags raised by officials fluttered in the breeze, while protesters also waved American flags and chanted “USA! USA!” and “Bye bye, EU”.

Foreign TV crews watched in bemusement, while police stood by to prevent trouble flaring.

Businessman Jeff Wyatt, 55, dressed as a crusader and came to Westminster from Milton Keynes, Bucks, to mark Brexit Day.

He said of his costume: “It’s purely patriotic symbolism. I’m proud of England and Britain.

“I’m not feeling excited, I’m feeling like we are at the end of the beginning.

“We have had three-and-a-half years of the Westminster class trying to thwart the decision of the British public.

“But we are leaving the tyranny of the EU. This is going to the start of the toppling of the EU.

“It’s great to among a big group of Leavers, but the fight definitely isn’t over.”

Retired schoolteacher Andrew Bullock, 57, said: “It’s a great atmosphere, I’ve been looking forward to happening for months and months.

“I thought it was going to happen in March, then in October, but the day has finally arrived.

“Lots of people did everything they could to try and stop it.

“I knew we would get there eventually but it took a long time coming.”