British MEP packs up office on Brexit day

A British member of the European Parliament said she felt like she was on an emotional rollercoaster as she packed up her belongings in her Brussels office ahead of Britain's departure from the bloc on Friday.

Catherine Bearder, who represented the south east of England and was the leader of the Liberal Democrats in the European Union, said she felt angry at what was happening to her country and "sad we have lost the voice here in the European parliament of MEPs, of ministers in the council, of commissioners but also of British staff working here making such a difference."

Bearder added, however, that she felt relieved that the Brexit date had come.

"This has gone on for four years, I have been living with it night and day fighting the referendum and then still fighting for another vote and now the say has come and I start my retirement now."

Bearder said she plans to continue work on protecting elephants from poaching and fighting biodiversity loss although she would be doing that as a volunteer.

The UK officially leaves the continental alliance at midnight Brussels time after a 47-year membership.