Poll finds that Wales is still divided over Brexit

On the day Britain leaves the European Union, the latest poll for ITV Wales has found that people are still divided over the issue.

It found that Brexit is now backed by 42% - and opposed by 41%.

Seventeen per cent of people said they "don't know".

Just like in the 2016 referendum, there's a narrow lead for leaving the EU. The other 17% couldn't decide.

The poll shows that Brexit remains the biggest issue for Welsh voters with concern about the health service almost as high - a warning to politicians that they won't only be judged on their European policy.

Opinion is less closely divided about whether we should seek a close future relationship with the EU.

Anti-Brexit protests outside the Houses of Parliament Credit: PA Images

But with 23% undecided, Welsh pubic opinion could prove volatile if EU-UK negotiations dominate 2020.

Mr Drakeford said Wales' identity as a European nation becomes "more important" after 11pm on Friday Credit: PA Images

It comes as the First Minister Mark Drakeford is expected to say that Wales "remains a European nation" ahead of Britain's departure from the EU.

"We remain open and outward-facing. Wales remains a European nation and after 11pm tonight that identity becomes more important, not less."

Very little will change at 11pm on Friday - as a result of the deal which Mr Johnson agreed with Brussels and the 27 remaining member states.

The prime minister will seek to outline a positive future for Britain Credit: PA Images

In a symbolic move,Mr Johnson will chair a meeting of his Cabinet in Sunderland, the city which was the first to back Brexit when results were announced after the 2016 referendum.

And in what Number 10 billed as an “address to the nation” released an hour before the moment the UK leaves the EU, Mr Johnson will attempt to sound an optimistic note about the future and promise to heal the divides which have been caused in the bitter Brexit battles.

He will say: “Our job as the government – my job – is to bring this country together and take us forward.”

  • The poll, for ITV-Cymru Wales and Cardiff University, had a sample of 1,009 Welsh adults and was carried out by YouGov from 20 to 26 January 2020.