POLITICIANS of all parties must work together to ensure Wales does not lose out as result of the UK leaving the European Union, AMs have agreed.

A debate was held in the Senedd yesterday, about the Welsh Government’s approach to the result of last week’s referendum.

Speaking at the start of the debate first minister Carwyn Jones said he respected the result of the referendum, but the tone of debates leading up to the vote was “very divisive”.

He added it was crucial Wales was not sidelined or forgotten entirely while the arrangements for the UK leaving the EU were put together.

“We will work tirelessly to make sure during this period we are not overlooked,” he said.

The first minister also said it was important Wales does not lose any funding as a result of the Brexit, and echoed concerns raised elsewhere that the vote could have wide-ranging impact, saying: “There is a risk the price to pay for the exit of the EU is the end of the UK.”

Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies, who campaigned for a Leave vote, said it was important politicians of all parties worked together to get the best outcome for Wales.

“What we need to do is come together and make this work,” he said.

Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood agreed, saying “Wales must not be a silent partner”.

But she added she was concerned about the overall impact of the vote, saying: “This referendum, rather than uniting the UK, has divided it.”

Leader of the Senedd’s Ukip group Neil Hamilton also called for cross-party politicians to work together, saying: “We are stronger and safer when we act together.”

Newport East AM John Griffiths said he believed the result of the referendum was linked to levels of poverty.

“It is absolutely clear that, as you look at the pattern of voting, that many people in our communities have a sense of hopelessness,” he said.

“In that situation it is understandable that when offered the opportunity to kick the establishment they will take it, regardless of the issues at stake.”

Newly-elected Islwyn AM Rhianon Passmore said she believed voters had been “conned and lied to” by the Leave campaign following revelations after the result that promises made around issues such as NHS funding would not be fulfilled.

The Labour AM also backed calls for any EU funding currently given to Wales which will instead go to the UK Government to be handed back to the Senedd.

“Every single penny must be made up that Wales loses from leaving Europe,” she said.

Ukip South Wales East AM David Rowlands said he believed Remain supporters were “in denial” about the outcome of the referendum and also called for unity in preparing for the Brexit.

“This is not the time for anybody involved in the Out campaign to gloat at the outcome,” he said.

“The implications of this vote are far too important.”

Closing the debate, Mr Jones said, while the outcome of the referendum was not what he had hoped for, he did not believe holding a second vote was the way forward, saying: “Those who voted to leave would just get angrier and that would be transforming into something more unpleasant.”