THE MP for Burnham-on-Sea said he 'welcomes' the triggering of Article 50 as the Prime Minister signed the letter to start Britain’s exit from the European Union.

The handover of the historic letter today (March 29) marks the start of complex negotiations for Britain to cut its ties with Brussels by March 2019.

James Heappey, MP for Burnham-on-Sea said he feels the Prime Minister has been 'clear' as she seeks a deal for Britain as it prepares to leave the European Union.

He said: “After nine months of debate, I welcome that Article 50 has now been enacted and that we have therefore confirmed our intention to leave the EU in two years time.

"The delivery of the Prime Minister’s letter will be a cause for celebration for some and dismay for others but people on both sides of the debate will hopefully be reassured by the tone that Mrs May sets.

"That tone has so far been matched by the response from Brussels.

“We have not made any threats but we have been clear on our priorities.

"We have also been clear that it is in the mutual interests of the UK and the EU to forge and deep and special relationship that will see us work closely together as partners once we are no longer members of the EU.

"The negotiating process will be long and complex but a punitive deal is mutually damaging and I’m certain that in private both sides will work constructively to avoid that."

Prime Minister Theresa May described the letter handover as 'a historic moment from which there is no turning back' for the UK.

Mr Heappey added: “The Prime Minister has been clear that she will seek a deal that works for all parts of the UK.

"In Somerset we have particular needs in order to properly support our tourism and agricultural industries - replacing the Common Agricultural Policy will be particularly challenging.

"Ministers have already been very willing to listen to the feedback I’ve been getting from businesses and residents across the Wells Constituency and I look forward to making sure that our needs are properly reflected in the work of the Government as we go through the negotiating process that lies ahead.”

Within 48 hours, the European Commission is expected to issue "draft negotiation guidelines", which will be sent to the 27 remaining states for consultation.

Their leaders will meet on April 29 at an extraordinary European Council summit to agree a mandate for chief negotiator Michel Barnier and clear the way for talks to begin in earnest in May.

 On Thursday, a white paper will be produced on the Great Repeal Bill, the legislation that will turn four decades of EU regulations into domestic laws.