First lorry passes through controls at Eurotunnel after UK leaves single market

The first arrivals on the shuttle from France following the end of the Brexit transition period are expected at around 12.23am.

The first lorry, driven by Slavi Ivanov Shumeykov, has loaded onto Le Shuttle at the Eurotunnel in Folkestone, Kent, in England after the UK leaves the single market and customs union, and transitional trading arrangements expired at 11pm UK time. Picture: PA

The first lorry has gone through controls at the Eurotunnel as it heads for Europe, following the UK’s historic departure from the single market.

Driver Slavi Ivanov Shumeykov smiled and waved as his HGV was processed by officials late on New Year’s Eve.