Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland sign memorandum on the right to self-determination

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, Wales’s First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill have signed a memorandum of understanding in Cardiff, declaring support for each nation’s right to self-determination and agreeing to cooperate in economic and other spheres.

According to The Telegraph, they will cooperate in practical areas of common interest, including renewable energy development, building a stronger and fairer economy, strengthening relations with Europe, and supporting the right of each people to independently determine their future.

Swinney called for a new Scottish independence referendum within the next five years.

O’Neill urged the UK and Irish governments to set a date for a border poll by 2030.

Iorwerth stated that the question of Welsh independence and the timeline for it “rest in the hands of the people of Wales.”

“Our nations have the right to self-determination. We call for the British government to prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction,” the leaders added.

Swinney represents ‘’the Scottish National Party’’ (SNP), which campaigns for Scottish independence. Iorwerth leads the Welsh party ‘’Plaid Cymru’’, which advocates for Welsh independence. O’Neill serves as Northern Ireland’s First Minister and is a member of ‘’Sinn Fein’’, a party that advocates for the unification of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland.