Covid passes are to be introduced in Wales after the Welsh Government won a tight vote in the Senedd – amid reports one opposition MS could not vote because of a problem with their Zoom link.

The Welsh Conservatives, Plaid Cymru and the single Liberal Democrat MS were branded “grossly irresponsible” for voting against the proposals – which passed by a single vote.

Powys' two Conservative members, James Evans and Russell George, had both spoken out against the plans during a debate in the Senedd.

And the vote passed as one member – who was understood to be a Conservative – was unable to vote because of a problem with their Zoom link.

The passes will come into force from October 11 and will mean all over-18s would need to have one to enter nightclubs, indoor, non-seated events for more than 500 people, such as concerts or conventions, outdoor non-seated events for more than 4,000 people and any setting or event with more than 10,000 people in attendance.

People would also be able to show they have had a negative lateral flow test result within the last 48 hours.

During a debate in the Senedd, health and social care minister and Mid and West Wales MS Eluned Morgan said the public was on the Government’s side.

“I want to be clear that the Welsh Labour Government has not suggested the introduction of this measure lightly,” she said.

“Not supporting this measure today will be an act of gross irresponsibility when it comes to public health in Wales."

Conservative health spokesman Mr George, the Montgomeryshire MS, accused of the Welsh Government of a U-turn, having previously ruled out introducing them.

“I just do not think that we should become a checkpoint society by introducing a vaccine passport,” Mr George said.

“There is a wide range of ethical, equality, privacy, legal and operational ramifications of Covid passports.

“There is a real risk here that the implementation of Covid passes could be a complete disaster."

Mr George said the introduction risked creating a two-tier society as some people were unable to be vaccinated for health reasons.

Brecon and Radnorshire Conservative MS James Evans said backing the proposals was an “extremely slippery slope” and undermined a liberal society.

“I find this a terrible prospect, and not one that anybody who wants to live in a 21st century liberal democracy would support," he said.

“The slippery slope is one that concerns me greatly.

“Of course, the Government will say this system will only be implemented for as long as Covid is with us, but governments of all colours and all political persuasions change their minds, and once introduced, regulations are very rarely repealed.”

Members of the Senedd voted 28-27 in favour of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations.

The Night Time Industries Association Wales, which has opposed the introduction of the scheme, called for a fresh vote because of the Zoom issue.