Kent MPs backed a bill that will trigger the process of the UK leaving the European Union.

All but one of the county’s MPs voted in favour of the historic bill - in some cases despite the fact that they had argued for the UK to remain in the EU.

North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale did not vote because he has been appointed to the special panel that will oversee the passage of the Bill.

MPs backed the European Union Bill by 498 votes to 114 on with 47 Labour rebels voting against.

The bill will now face more debate before it can become law.

Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat said: “ This is not the end it is the end of the beginning of the process. We now have at least two years of negotiation Before the actual exit.

"And let's not forget that Kent is not moving any further away from France and we are going to be talking with our European partners for generations to come.”

The government will publish a white paper today setting out its strategy for leaving the EU with the plans scrutinised by MPs over the coming weeks.

Dover MP Charlie Elphicke said:“It’s important that everyone in Parliament accepts the decision made by the British people.

“We’ve got to do our best as political people, to look after the people we serve and represent. There’s no point the people going round and hoping [Brexit] all goes horribly wrong.

Nigel Farage said he was pleased but not complacent, and added: “There are big powerful interests in business, banking and politics who will do what they can to preserve this way of life.”

Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst said: "I voted to remain at the Referendum, not out of love for the European Union but because at that particular time I thought it the best way to use my personal vote. However, I could have equally constructed an argument to leave as are the imperfections of the Union.

"Nevertheless, democracy spoke and over 64% of Medway’s voters decided we needed to leave the EU.

"I have never thought that people did not know what they voted for and that they did not realise that leaving the European Union would mean leaving the single market or the customs union.

"It was a clear message from the majority of voters and this will has to be respected. That is why I voted in favour of voting for invoking Article 50 in the second reading of the Bill, and I will do so again when it returns for its third reading."

"Sadly, I feel that this Bill is more of a distraction from being able to get on with a decision that has already been made by the British people. By focusing and getting on with planning negotiations, it will more likely help bring quicker the certainty we need."