Britain's eurosceptic press cries freedom as Brexit looms

Gleeful Brexit-backing newspapers raised a toast on Wednesday as Britain prepared to serve notice on its EU membership, but others feared turbulence and trouble ahead.

Most carried a front-page picture of Prime Minister Theresa May signing the formal notice of Britain's intention to leave the bloc, triggering two years of divorce negotiations.

The Sun, Britain's most popular newspaper, triumphantly beamed "SEE EU LATER" and "DOVER AND OUT" onto the White Cliffs of Dover, the closest point to continental Europe.

"It's finally here. The most momentous day in Britain's modern history," the tabloid said.

The paper said it had enormous optimism about a Britain better able to control its own laws, borders and trade deals.

It blasted the "sneering, divisive rage of hardcore Remainers... their apocalyptic rhetoric at a comical crescendo", who will be left "howling at the moon" after Wednesday.

"Today it begins for real -- and we can't wait."

"FREEDOM!" cried the Daily Mail, which also had sharp words for Brexit doubters.

"This is a momentous day for Britain -- a day many who have grown disillusioned with the EU feared they would never see," it said.

"Now the hard work begins.

"Is it asking too much that we should eschew the doom-mongering and pull together to secure the best deal for the benefit of all Britons?"

- 'To infinity and beyond!' -

The Daily Telegraph broadsheet had a cartoon of May as Buzz Lightyear from "Toy Story" standing on a Union Jack bedsheet shouting "To infinity and beyond!!"

"For those who have for so long dreamed of this moment, a toast is irresistible," it said.

"To the triggering of Article 50 and the accomplishment of an impossible dream. And to Britain's whose future is full of potential."

The Daily Express's front page said: "Dear EU, we're leaving you."

"This is a joyous day indeed," its editorial said.

"Today we formally begin the process of reclaiming the right to decide our own laws, how our taxes are spent, whom we trade with and who gets to come into this country."

- 'Eyes of history are watching' -

Newspapers which had backed Britain staying in the European Union sounded notes of caution on the two years of departure talks ahead.

"The eyes of history are watching", The Times said on its front page along with a picture of May putting ink to paper under a portrait of Britain's first prime minister, Robert Walpole.

The Guardian's front page was a jigsaw map of Europe with Britain taken out.

"Today Britain steps into the unknown," its headline said.

"This is the moment the undeliverable promises will be replaced by the hard reality."

Its editorial said: "It is in the interests of both sides in the negotiations to work to reconstruct a new relationship that does least harm.

"The challenge is that Theresa May's objectives all tend towards a result that will unquestionably disrupt the British economy and likely inflict collateral damage on the rest of the EU."

The Financial Times said a softer tone from the British government on the role of the European Court of Justice and the Brexit divorce bill in the run-up to negotiations "opens way for compromise".

"Dear EU, it's time to go," said the Daily Mirror's front page.

It said the the negotiations would be fraught and everyone had an interest in May obtaining the best deal.

"Historians will look back and study this turbulent period in our nation's story. We want them to find a united, relieved country."