GWYNEDD has become the first Welsh authority to formally call for a ‘people’s vote’ on Britain’s membership of the European Union.

The council chamber in Caernarfon voted overwhelmingly in favour of a second Referendum to ratify the final terms of any Brexit deal.

Plaid councillor Judith Humphreys’ motion passed by 34 votes to nine but not all members were in agreement, with 14 also abstaining.

After the results of the motion vote was announced, Brexiteer councillor Mike Stevens sarcastically called out for a second vote, stating that he wasn’t happy with the result of the first.

In the 2016 referendum, Gwynedd voted by 58.1 per cent to 41.9 per cent to remain in the bloc – one of only five Welsh counties to do so.

The motion proposes that any referendum should allow an option to remain within the EU, allowing the people of Wales to have the opportunity to cast an “informed vote” following the negotiations.

Cllr Humphreys said: “This motion calls for a meaningful people’s vote, giving us the chance to look at the whole issue while being in possession of much more information.

“Let us join Aberdeen, Liverpool, Hounslow, Greenwich, becoming the first Welsh authority to call for a people’s vote.

“Can we really accept a situation where Vote Leave broke electoral law with another Brexit campaign group currently being investigated?

“Are we comfortable that nurses and doctors are leaving?

“Are we happy that Brexit will mean us leaving Eurotom which ensures nuclear safety and that Welsh ports have had to sign non disclosure agreements?

“A Brexit with no deal could see the Welsh economy contract by up to 10 per cent and there are are concerns nearer to home over the potential snare ups at Holyhead Port.

“No one voted for a future with fewer opportunities for our children.

“Opinion polls show that support is growing to remain with 522 UK constituencies now backing to stay in the EU including all Welsh ones bar one.

“If there was a vote now, remain would win by 55-45. People in their millions have changed their minds.”

But Cllr Stevens described her as “the spokesperson for project fear.”

He added that she had raised “many unsubstantiated fears” and stated his belief that Brexit will be a success.

“It is happening, you can call for as many people’s votes as you like, but just learn to accept it.”

Meanwhile, members also approved a separate motion put forward by Cllr Paul Rowlinson, calling for the support of councillors in urging the Welsh Government to secure a stable environment for farm businesses after Brexit.

“Agriculture is an essential part of Gwynedd’s rural economy and supports many families in the county. Any changes in agriculture that result from Brexit are certain to have a direct impact on the local economy, our rural communities and the Welsh language," said Cllr Rowlinson.Council Leader, Dyfrig Siencyn has already responded on behalf of Gwynedd Council to the Welsh Government’s consultation paper ‘Brexit and our land,’ setting out significant concerns regarding the proposed changes and the adverse impact on the rural economy.

Cllr Rowlinson’s motion passed by 53 votes to one, with four abstentions.