A ROW has broken out after a Gwent AM claimed two of the region’s other AMs “do not respect their constituents” over their support for a second Brexit referendum.

Both Blaenau Gwent AM Alun Davies and Torfaen’s Lynne Neagle have been vocal in their support for a so-called ‘people’s vote’. This is despite both constituencies voting overwhelmingly to leave the EU in 2016, with Blaenau Gwent having the largest pro-leave vote in Wales at 62 per cent, and Torfaen close behind at 60 per cent.

Speaking in the Assembly on Tuesday, South Wales East AM Mark Reckless accused the pair of failing to represent their constituents by backing a second referendum.

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Addressing first minister Mark Drakeford, Mr Reckless, who was elected as a Ukip AM but later defected to the Assembly’s Conservative group, said: “The people of Wales voted to leave the European Union.

“The first minister doesn't agree with that decision, but doesn't he need to respect it?

“Did he see the results in the local elections in England last week and, in particular, that by far the worst results for Labour were across ex-coalfield communities?

“Does he agree with the members who represent Blaenau Gwent, which voted to leave by 62 per cent, or Torfaen, which voted to leave by 60 per cent, that the electorate should be ignored and forced to vote again because they do not respect their constituents or the decision they made?”

Mr Drakeford, who supported the remain campaign in 2016 but has stopped short of overtly supporting a second referendum, replied leaving the EU without a deal would be “an act of leaving our senses”.

Responding to Mr Reckless’ comments, Mr Davies said: “The people of Blaenau Gwent did not vote for fewer services, did not vote for fewer jobs, did not vote to be poorer, did not vote to see a reduction in spending on essential public services.

“The people of Blaenau Gwent voted against austerity, voted against the Tory policy that is ripping the heart out of our communities, whether some people recognise it or not.”

And, speaking outside the chamber, Ms Neagle said: “I absolutely refute the statement that I do not respect my constituents.

“I do and I’m proud that I have spent 20 years serving them.

“We know a great deal more about the likely impact of Brexit on jobs, the economy and public services than we did three years ago. Nobody voted to be poorer and I won’t vote to make my constituents poorer.

“That’s why I support a confirmatory referendum so that all my constituents, whether they voted to leave or remain, can have a final say on Brexit now that we all know the facts.”

The Welsh Government’s official position on a second referendum is that one should only be held if a satisfactory deal cannot be reached. Mr Drakeford has said, if a second referendum was to be held, he would campaign for remain.