MP Robert Goodwill to celebrate Brexit with private event at Scarborough Rugby Club

At 11pm on Friday January 31, Britain is set to become the first state to withdrawn from the European Union. Scarborough's Conservative Association and the town's MP have decided to host an event to mark the historic moment.

"It's a private event to thank everybody who worked so hard during our campaign and made a real contribution," said Mr Goodwill. "There will be a free supper and as the clock strikes 11 o'clock we'll be raising a glass to celebrate Britain leaving the EU."

The MP said he feels "optimistic" about the UK's future outside of the trading bloc and that he is "positive" about what might be in store for Scarborough and Whitby.

He stressed the fact Britain will be "trading as an independent coastal state" and that there will be "opportunities" for the fishing industry which has been "hamstrung" by EU rules "for far too long".

In 1973, when Britain joined the EU, Mr Goodwill recalls major celebrations. However, this time round, the MP said he's not aware of any public events being organised in the borough.

Despite acknowledging the division created by the argument, Mr Goodwill still believes there are reasons to celebrate.

"We understand we need to keep the country together so we can't be too triumphant about it but we made it clear that we wanted to get Brexit done and that's what we're going to do."

He added: "We have worked hard for many years to achieve this. In Scarborough and Whitby 62 per cent voted to leave and people were very frustrated by three and a half years of dither and inaction.

"Boris got a big majority, I got a big majority and in six months we did what we couldn't do in three and a half years."

EU nationals who have been living in the UK are welcome to stay, said Mr Goodwill as he encouraged them to apply for the EU settlement scheme.

After leaving the EU tomorrow night, Britain will enter an 11-month transition period to negotiate the terms of its future relationship with the EU.