UK faces fresh breakup calls as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland look to EU

Three nations Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have met in Cardiff to agree a memorandum of understanding, declaring that “Westminster’s time is coming to an end.”

Scottish First Minister John Swinney and Welsh counterpart Rhun ap Iorweth met alongside Sinn Fein figures Michelle O’Neill, who is Northern Ireland’s first minister and Irish opposition leader Mary Lou McDonald.

The meeting ended up with a signing of MoU aligning their shared constitutional campaigns. The SNP and Plaid Cymru also push for Scottish and Welsh independence. However, Fein campaigns for a unified Ireland.

The MoU reads, “Each of our nations has the right to determine its own future, through democratic means and in accordance with the wishes of its people.”

“We share a belief that the nations and communities we represent deserve greater ambition, greater economic opportunity and a stronger voice in determining their own futures. The political landscape across these islands is changing.”

“For the first time ever, there are first ministers in Scotland, in Wales and in the North of Ireland who are all committed to independence from the United Kingdom,” it adds.

The agreement argues that Westminster’s current political model is coming to an end and constitutional change is approaching as the parties want greater social justice, economic opportunity, political representation and self determination.

The MoU also says the future of three nations belong to the EU as they want to work together to rebuild and strengthen those European relationships, creating greater opportunities for trade, investment, culture and cooperation.

“We call for the British Government to prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction.”