Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Sign Independence MoU Against UK
Three nations call for constitutional change as leaders declare Westminster’s time is coming to an end
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) against the Great Britain declared that “Westminster’s time is coming to an end”. They have noted that the UK government should “prepare” for constitutional change.
The MoU stated that no Westminster government has the right to “block democracy or undermine the principle that our people will decide their own future.”
Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill met in Cardiff for the unprecedented summit.
They were joined by Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of the opposition in Ireland, reports said.
John Swinney and Michelle O’Neill called for referendums at a joint press conference, Rhun ap Iorwerth refused to give a timetable for one in his country, according to media reports.
“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,” the memorandum of understanding said.
It added, “For the first time ever, there are first ministers in Scotland, Wales and the North of Ireland who are all committed to independence from the United Kingdom. For people watching across these islands – for people watching around the world – there could be no clearer sign that Westminster’s time is coming to an end.”
It noted that no Westminster government has the right to “block democracy or undermine the principle that our people will decide their own future.”
“We recognize that our parties have different constitutional positions and that each nation will determine its own future in its own way and in its own time,” it added.
They have called on the British government to “prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction.”
The MoU added, “The future should be one in which our nations can cooperate confidently, speak for themselves and buld relationships with one another and with the wider worlds based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.”
Three governments represented each has a different approach to seeking their departure from the UK, as per Metro UK.
Under John Swinney, the SNP wants to push Prime Minister Andy Burnham to agree for a referendum on Scottish independence. It has argued that the pro-independence majority in the Holyrood parliament provides a mandate.
Rhun ap Iorwerth’s Plaid Cymru had pushed for greater devolution to the Senedd, while it is not in rush to hold a referendum in Wales during the recent polls.
