The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are set to meet in Cardiff on Monday to sign a joint agreement calling for their nations’ right to self-determination and putting further pressure on the United Kingdom government.
The unprecedented summit will bring together Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, alongside Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald.
The leaders are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding covering the economy, energy, Europe, international cooperation and self-determination.
They will also discuss closer ties with European countries as they prepare for possible constitutional changes.
Swinney said the fact that all three devolved nations are now led by pro-independence parties showed that “the status quo is not sustainable.”
“Westminster must prepare for a post-UK future,” he said, adding that he expected the meeting to produce “a fresh start of independence.”
The summit follows British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s comments that he could allow another Scottish independence referendum if there was a “clear consensus” for one.
However, Burnham has also said there is currently no such consensus.
In a letter to Swinney, he said independence and another referendum were “off limits” before the next general election.
Sinn Féin said the Good Friday Agreement provides a democratic route to an Irish unity referendum.
“Irish unity is not a distant aspiration.
"The work of building the new Ireland must begin now,” a party source said.
The developments come after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would “love” to see a united Ireland, describing reunification as “a great thing.”
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