Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland leaders step up independence push

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Cardiff: Leaders of nationalist parties in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have joined forces to push for greater powers and the right of their nations to decide their constitutional future.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill signed an agreement in Cardiff on Monday with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. The parties said they would work together on constitutional change, economic issues, energy and closer ties with Europe.

The agreement calls for Westminster to prepare for possible constitutional changes and says each nation should be able to determine its future through democratic means.

Scotland is seeking another independence referendum, while Sinn Féin is pushing for preparations for a future vote on Irish unity. Wales has ruled out holding an independence referendum during the current Senedd term, which runs until 2030, but its government wants greater control over whether such a vote can be held.

The UK government has rejected the push, saying Prime Minister Andy Burnham remains committed to the union and wants to focus on economic security and cooperation between the four nations rather than further constitutional referendums.

Pic Credit: AFP