Politics
Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Leaders to Discuss Independence Referendums
Leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are set to discuss self-determination and possible independence referendums at a Cardiff summit.
The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to meet in Cardiff on Monday to discuss constitutional reform and cooperation between their nations amid renewed debate over the future of the United Kingdom.
The summit, which is expected to take place at the St David’s Hotel overlooking Cardiff Bay, will bring together Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill.
Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald is also expected to attend the meeting.
According to reports, the three devolved leaders are expected to sign a joint declaration affirming their nations’ right to self-determination and calling for a framework that would allow independence referendums to be held.
The meeting follows comments by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggesting that another Scottish independence referendum could be considered if there were a clear public consensus in favour of one. Burnham reportedly compared Scotland’s constitutional position with the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement concerning a possible referendum on Irish reunification.
The summit also comes after US President Donald Trump expressed support for Irish reunification during a visit to Ireland. Trump said he would like to see Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland united, although his comments do not determine the constitutional future of Northern Ireland.
The gathering follows electoral gains by pro-independence parties across the devolved nations. Plaid Cymru’s rise in Wales has resulted in the party taking the lead in the Senedd, with Rhun ap Iorwerth becoming First Minister.
The development marks the first time that pro-independence parties have led the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland simultaneously. However, the meeting is not expected to result in the immediate break-up of the United Kingdom. Rather, it is intended to strengthen cooperation and increase pressure for constitutional discussions.