CARMARTHENSHIRE has voted in favour of leaving the EU.
The outcome of Thursday’s referendum has already seen David Cameron resign, and a plunge in the value of the pound.
The turnout in Thursday’s referendum, at 74%, was significantly higher than that for Westminster and Assembly elections in recent years. 103,126 people voted across Carmarthenshire.
Overall, Wales voted 52.5%-47.5% in favour of leaving the EU – a slightly lower majority than England, but significantly different to the result in Scotland, which voted overwhelmingly to remain.
The total number of votes cast in Carmarthenshire in favour of LEAVE was 55,381
The total number of votes cast in Carmarthenshire in favour of REMAIN was 47,654
There were 91 rejected ballot papers.
Counting took place at the Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llanelli. The result was announced by Counting Officer Mark James.
Sampling studies have suggested that the results in Carmarthenshire were influenced by a strong vote leave turnout in Llanelli.
In the Llanelli area there was apparently a majority of around 10,000 in favour of leave.
Carmarthen West wards were apparently 55%-45% in favour of leaving the EU, while Carmarthen East and Dinefwr was more pro-remain.
First Minister Carwyn Jones has said that he is ‘disappointed’ by the result of the referendum, but acknowledged that it must be accepted.
In an announcement this morning, he set out the following priorities for Wales:
To protect Welsh jobs
For the Welsh Government to play a full part in discussions about the timing and terms of UK withdrawal from the EU.
For the UK to negotiate to retain access to the 500 million customers in the single market and that free movement of people is retained.
Continued participation, on current terms, should be continued in major EU programmes such as CAP funds for farming and Structural Funds for poorer areas up until the end of 2020.
Major and immediate revision of the Barnett Formula taking into account needs arising from EU withdrawal – and a promise made that Wales will not lose a penny.
The relationship between devolved administrations and the UK government to be placed onto an entirely different footing.
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies, who backed the leave campaign, said: “I am immensely proud to be part of a Party which delivered this referendum to the people of the UK, giving them an enormous opportunity to determine the course of their future.
“The will of the people has today been declared, and the result marks an historic moment of positive change for our country.
“Wales has sent a clear message that it wants to be part of that change, and politicians of all stripes must now come together to deliver on this momentous constitutional decision.”
Plaid Cymru politicians, Adam Price AM and Jonathan Edwards MP have issued a brief response to the EU Referendum result.
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr Assembly Member Adam Price said: “Without doubt Wales now faces perhaps the biggest economic challenge it has seen since the 1930’s.
“There is an almighty challenge ahead. It would be wrong of anyone to try to undermine the seriousness of the problems our economy now faces.
“I stand ready to play my part in helping protect the people of Wales.
“I am delighted that Carmarthen East and Dinefwr communities did record a Remain vote. Had the Labour party not lost the support of its core voters across the county then we would have certainly seen Carmarthenshire as a whole vote to remain a member of the EU.”
Member of Parliament Jonathan Edwards added: “It is crystal clear this morning that the Leave campaign has absolutely no plan for the future of the UK or our economy.
“We cannot allow the UK to continue to be dominated by Westminster. We need a radical reconfiguration of powers.
“Plaid Cymru’s role will always be stand up for the best interests of Wales and her people.
“We will do all we can to protect our communities and defend the Welsh national interest.”
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