Leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have signed a joint declaration demanding the right to self-determination and the power to hold independence referendums.
According to The Telegraph, the meeting was held in Cardiff, Wales’ capital.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland comprises four nations – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. While London, located in England, remains the capital, the union dates back to 1707 when England and Scotland merged. Ireland joined in 1801, but most of it left in 1922, leaving Northern Ireland in the UK.
The three leaders now say the status quo is unsustainable.
According to The Telegraph, those expected to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) are Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, Wales’ First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill.
The MOU is designed to kick-start the process for breaking up the UK, amid intensified debates over Scottish independence and Irish reunification.
The development comes a day after US President Donald Trump, during a visit to Dublin on Saturday, declared support for Irish unification, saying he would “love to see a united Ireland” and that Northern Ireland joining the Republic would be “a great thing.”
Reacting ahead of the summit, Mr Swinney said PM Andy Burnham was “facing up to the idea that he will go down in history as the final prime minister of the United Kingdom.”
He added: “For the first time, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are led by pro-independence first ministers. There could be no clearer sign that the status quo is not sustainable – and that Westminster must prepare for a post-UK future.”
“Tomorrow in Cardiff, I am looking forward to discussing a better future with partners from across these islands – and that only comes with the fresh start of independence.”
Last Wednesday, Mr Burnham had told Parliament he would authorise another Scottish referendum if there is popular demand. Compelling the Prime Minister to do so is part of the goal of the Cardiff summit.
