The first ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are reportedly scheduled to hold a meeting in Cardiff on Monday to discuss constitutional change and greater cooperation between the three nations.
A report by The Telegraph, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, Wales’ First Minister Rhun ap Iowerth and Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill are likely to sign a memorandum of understanding covering economic, energy, European and constitutional matters.
Additionally, the deal is likely to state that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have the right to determine their constitutional futures via democratic means.
Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald is due to attend the Cardiff summit.
The meeting comes amid renewed debate over Scottish independence and Irish reunification. US President Donald Trump recently stated he would “love” to see a united Ireland during a visit to Dublin, adding that unification would occur and “may as well happen now.”
Under the Good Friday Agreement, a referendum on Northern Ireland’s constitutional status can be called if it appears likely that a majority would support departing from the UK and joining a united Ireland.
Swinney stated, “For the first time ever, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are led by pro-independence first ministers,” Swinney said, arguing that the development demonstrated growing support for constitutional change.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said another Scottish independence referendum could take place if there is a “clear consensus” in Scotland. However, he later told Swinney that the government would not support another referendum before the next general election, saying there is currently no clear consensus for one in Scotland or for Northern Ireland to leave the UK.
