Nationalist Leaders of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to Meet in Cardiff

The first ministers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are scheduled to meet in Cardiff on Monday to discuss closer cooperation and the right to self determination. For the first time since devolution began, all three nations are led by governments favorable to separating from the United Kingdom. The leaders, John Swinney of the SNP, Rhun ap Iorwerth of Plaid Cymru, and Michelle O'Neill of Sinn Féin, are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding or a joint declaration affirming their right to seek independence through democratic referendums. The meeting will also cover cooperation on energy, the economy, and relationships with Europe. The participants are meeting in their capacities as party leaders rather than as government officials.

This summit follows a visit to Dublin by US President Donald Trump, who stated he would love to see a united Ireland and called the idea something grand. The UK government and unionist members of the Northern Ireland executive have rebutted these comments. In London, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has maintained that a new Scottish independence referendum is off limits before the next general election, though some reports indicate he previously suggested a vote could be considered if there were a clear public consensus.

Legal paths to separation vary by region. Northern Ireland has a mechanism under the Good Friday Agreement for a border poll if it appears a majority supports unification. Scotland and Wales currently require the consent of the UK Parliament in Westminster to hold referendums. While Rhun ap Iorwerth has ruled out pushing for a Welsh referendum during his first term, he intends to establish a national commission to lay the foundations for future plans.