The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland arrived in Cardiff on Monday for an unprecedented meeting aimed at advancing demands for constitutional change.
The talks come after US President Donald Trump voiced support over the weekend for the reunification of Ireland, while Downing Street continues to reject calls for further independence referendums.
Pro-independence leaders meet in Cardiff
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are currently led by politicians who support independence or Irish reunification. It is the first time this has happened since devolved institutions were established in 1999.
Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, is hosting Scottish First Minister John Swinney, leader of the Scottish National Party, and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, vice-president of Sinn Féin.
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, who leads the opposition in the Republic of Ireland, will also attend.
The three leaders are expected to sign an agreement intended to place pressure on Downing Street to facilitate referendums on their constitutional futures.
UK Government maintains its opposition
Successive UK governments have opposed holding further independence referendums following Scotland’s 2014 vote, in which 55% rejected independence.
Downing Street ruled out any change in that position again last week.
The Cardiff summit follows comments by Trump during a weekend visit to Ireland. He said the reunification of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland would be “fantastic”.
“In the end, it will happen,” the US President said.
Leaders seek constitutional change
According to a statement, Ap Iorwerth, Swinney and O’Neill will meet to strengthen cooperation and lay the foundations for a change to the constitutional framework.
They will call on the UK Government to “prepare, plan and facilitate constitutional change in Wales, Scotland and the north of Ireland”, paving the way for self-determination referendums.
“We are at a pivotal moment in our constitutional development,” Swinney said.
“Our parties share the belief that Westminster will never defend our interests and that the people of our respective countries must have a meaningful say over their future,” he added.
Source: CNA-AMNA-AFP
