GETTY Portsmouth City Council has voted in favour of Brexit

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Portsmouth City Council this week voted in favour of urging residents to opt to leave the 28-country bloc on June 23. Proposed by the Ukip group leader, Colin Galloway, members of the council backed the motion by 21-15. The motion states the council’s belief that “Portsmouth and indeed all of Britain would be better off outside the EU”.

Conservative MP for Portsmouth North, Penny Mordaunt - who also backs Brexit - hailed the vote by the historic naval city. She said: "Portsmouth City Council understands the trade opportunities for the city that taking back control and voting leave will bring. "And as the UK city that exports the most, is home of the surface fleet and as the only local authority that owns a commercial port, Portsmouth knows the dangers of staying in for local jobs and Europe's security." The council’s motion stated: "Due to the negative impact that EU directives such as the agency working time directive, the EU procurement rules and the EU waste framework directive have on the ability and cost of Portsmouth City Council to fulfil its obligations, this council agrees that Portsmouth and indeed all of Britain would be better off outside the European Union. "This council is pleased that the EU referendum will give everyone the opportunity to decide on the future of their country and it urges all the people of Portsmouth to use their vote on 23 June 2016."

GETTY Portsmouth is an historic naval city

GETTY Local MP Penny Mordaunt hailed the vote

Portsmouth City Council understands the trade opportunities for the city that taking back control and voting leave will bring Tory MP Penny Mordaunt

It is understood Liberal Democrat councillors had tried to amend the motion to remove the council’s recommendation to voters but were defeated. Council officers are required to be politically neutral but Ukip claimed the result means taxpayer-funded newsletters to Portsmouth residents will not be able to “stealth promote” pro-EU messages in the run-up to the referendum. Julie Swan, Ukip's deputy group leader who seconded the motion, said: "I'm delighted that the council has passed this motion. I wasn't born the last time that the British people were allowed to vote on membership of the EU. "It's important to debate this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and to encourage the people of Portsmouth to get involved." Liz Bilney chief executive of Brexit campaign Leave.EU said: “It is encouraging to see that councillors are standing up for what they believe is right for their city. “The importance of people living in ports and coastal towns voting to leave the EU cannot be underestimated. “People living in coastal villages, towns and cities up and down the country have suffered some of the worst economic decline in the UK due to EU rules and regulations and the only way to reverse this is to vote to leave.”