Voices for self-determination: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland sign memorandum
On Monday in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, leaders of parties from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland advocating self-determination signed a memorandum of understanding, calling for closer cooperation and urging the UK government to prepare for possible constitutional changes. The meeting was attended by Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Wales' First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, and Sinn Féin President and Vice-President Michelle O'Neill. The leaders attended as party representatives, not on behalf of their respective regional governments.
The agreement was reached about four months after elections to the Scottish Parliament and the Senedd in Wales, resulting in all three regional governments of the United Kingdom being led by first ministers from nationalist or pro-independence parties for the first time. They argue that the people of each country should be able to determine their future democratically, and call on the UK government to "prepare, plan and facilitate constitutional change" in each jurisdiction. However, the memorandum acknowledges that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different political and constitutional circumstances, as well as different goals and timelines.
The Scottish National Party supports Scottish independence, Plaid Cymru advocates Welsh independence, and Sinn Féin seeks the reunification of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland. In addition to constitutional issues, the three parties also agreed to intensify cooperation in the economy, renewable energy and relations with Europe. The memorandum states that Brexit has damaged economic opportunities and argues that the future of the countries represented by the parties lies in the European Union.
Commenting on the meeting in Cardiff, a spokesman for UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the prime minister remains committed to the union and focused on reducing the burden on family finances and enhancing economic security, rather than holding further constitutional debates or referendums.
