Councillors in Greenwich have backed calls for a second vote on Brexit.

Several councils across the country have backed another vote on the exit from the European Union, such as Lewisham and Hounslow.

Greenwich Council agreed last night to add its voice to that chorus and call for another vote on a final Brexit say with a People’s Vote.

It means the authority supports having a public vote at the end of the negotiating process – with the option of remaining as an EU member.

Councillor Ian Hawking said in his first speech at the council: “I present this to council as I believe that the Government cannot negotiate something satisfactory for the British people. Public mood has significantly shifted.

“The only democratic way forward is to let the British people decide with a People’s Vote.

“Some people say this is not a matter for councillors to discuss. I respect that viewpoint but I wholeheartedly disagree with it – how can we not mention the elephant in the room of Brexit and the impact it will have on the residents that elected us. We have a duty to serve them and do what we believe is best.

“We have already seen unprecedented cuts to funding, our communities are at breaking point. As a council, we should have a right to advise our residents of our thoughts and let the Government be under no apprehension as to where we stand.

“I submit that a People’s Vote is the most logical and democratic next step to take.”

Opposition Conservative councillors held a free vote, with councillors Charlie Davis and Matt Clare speaking in support of a People’s Vote.

Cllr Davis said: “Colleagues may disagree with me but I think the argument against a People’s Vote is a non-starter.

“I can’t accept the argument that this is a disgrace to democracy – I cannot accept that more more democracy makes the original vote subservient, only true democracy can change its mind and only more democracy will break this deadlock.”

Cllr Davis said both sides of the 2016 campaign could be summarised as “project fear and project lie”.

“It never dawned on me for an enormous leap into an unknown abyss. I do not want to live in a world dominated by Moggs and Johnson. With Parliament at deadlock, we must go back to the people," the councillor added.

An amendment proposed by the Conservatives calling for the council to respect the original vote was defeated.

Councillors voted to support calls for another vote, and will now write to MP’s asking them to join them.

Councillor Jacky Smith said: “I hear people say a second vote is undemocratic, how can a vote ever be undemocratic?

“No responsible government should ever have lead us into a referendum without knowing what the consequences would be.

“When the government appoint a minister for food supply, we know we are in trouble.”