Leaders of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to meet for plan to break away from the UK

According to reports in the British press, the heads of government of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—three of the four nations within the United Kingdom—will meet tomorrow in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, to sign a memorandum of understanding that includes a demand for the right to hold independence referendums. The three pro-independence leaders will meet at the St. David's Hotel, overlooking Cardiff Bay, to discuss ways to act together in their independence push. The summit will be attended by Scottish National Party (SNP) leader and First Minister of Scotland John Swinney, Plaid Cymru leader and First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth, Sinn Féin Vice President and First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill, as well as Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald.

"Burnham must face the idea that he will go down in history as the last prime minister of the United Kingdom"

Scottish First Minister Swinney criticized British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, stating that the status quo in the United Kingdom is unsustainable and that London must prepare for a post-UK future. "The momentum behind serious constitutional change is undeniable," Swinney said. "Andy Burnham must now face the idea that he will go down in history as the last prime minister of the United Kingdom."

Swinney added, "I look forward to meeting our partners from across Great Britain and Ireland in Cardiff tomorrow to discuss a better future. This can only be possible with a new beginning that independence will bring."

The memorandum of understanding that the three leaders are set to sign at the summit is also expected to include a declaration pointing to their countries' right to self-determination. The leaders are expected to hold a joint press conference following the signing of the document, which also envisions cooperation among pro-independence parties. According to reports in the British press, the document is also expected to provide for economic, energy, European, and international cooperation between the countries. Within the framework of the agreement, the three parties are also expected to declare that their respective countries should be part of the European Union (EU)—meaning Scotland and Wales as new members, and Northern Ireland as part of the Republic of Ireland. This move is expected to further increase the pressure on British Prime Minister Burnham.

"Northern Ireland's unification with Ireland must be evaluated"

The Cardiff summit, where the pro-independence leaders will meet, comes after British Prime Minister Burnham stated in his remarks at the House of Commons on Wednesday that if there is a social consensus for Northern Ireland to leave the United Kingdom and unite with Ireland, it would need to be evaluated. In his statement, Burnham implied that a similar situation could apply to Scotland and that a new independence referendum could be held in Scotland.

The day after these remarks, Burnham backtracked, stating that a new referendum for Scotland was "not on the table."

Trump had said he wanted to see a united Ireland

The summit in question will also take place two days after US President Donald Trump's statement that he "would love to see a united Ireland." Saying that it would be a "great thing" for Northern Ireland to leave the United Kingdom and unite with Ireland, Trump had asked, "What could be bad about that?"

News Source: 12punto