First Ministers to sign joint independence declaration in Cardiff
Political leaders from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are gathering in Cardiff to sign a joint declaration calling for the right to hold independence referendums.
Political figures leading devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are gathering in Cardiff to sign a joint declaration calling for the right to hold independence referendums. The high-profile meeting brings together figures from parties supporting separation from the United Kingdom, aiming to increase pressure on Westminster to alter its stance on the constitutional future of the nations.
The summit convenes Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, Scottish National Party leader John Swinney, and Sinn F茅in vice president Michelle O鈥橬eill. According to reporting, the trio will meet in their capacities as party leaders rather than as First Ministers. Mr ap Iorwerth explained that the leaders would address both common ground and divergent priorities, stating in broadcast interviews that the nations possess distinct trajectories while sharing a desire for a different attitude from the UK Government on the constitutional question and resource sharing.
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Alongside constitutional ambitions, cooperation is expected to cover practical policy areas. These include child poverty efforts in Scotland and the economics of renewable energy in Northern Ireland. At the same time, the leaders intend to demand fair funding models and seek enhanced devolved powers covering natural resources, policing, and justice. While policing is already devolved in Scotland and Northern Ireland, it remains reserved to Westminster in Wales.
| Leader | Party | Nation |
|---|---|---|
| John Swinney | SNP | Scotland |
| Rhun ap Iorwerth | Plaid Cymru | Wales |
| Michelle O鈥橬eill | Sinn F茅in | Northern Ireland |
Plaid Cymru entered government in Wales following an election result that saw it oust Welsh Labour from power for the first time in more than two decades. This political shift means all three constituent countries are led by politicians whose parties support leaving the UK. This reality prompted Scotland's Education Secretary, Mairi McAllan, to describe the status quo as unsustainable, asserting that an independence referendum remains an option.
Momentum for the meeting was galvanized by statements in the House of Commons. Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggested that a repeat of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum could occur if there were a clear public consensus north of the border. Mr Swinney argued that the Prime Minister had opened the door to the principle of self-determination, though Downing Street subsequently insisted policy had not changed and that another referendum remained off limits.
Following the Prime Minister's remarks, Mr Swinney wrote to request a meeting to agree on a legal mechanism for a second referendum. In response, a letter from Mr Burnham stated that independence and a referendum remained off limits because they would detract from focusing on the economy and family cost of living. A Sinn F茅in source noted that the Cardiff summit would consider how each nation has the right to shape its future through democratic means under the Good Friday Agreement, while Mr Swinney stated his anticipation for discussing a better future through independence.
