Celtic party leaders to call for Westminster readiness on independence bids
Plaid Cymru, SNP and Sinn Féin leaders are expected to sign a Cardiff memorandum on self-determination while discussing cooperation on Europe, energy and the economy.
Leaders of Plaid Cymru, the Scottish National party and Sinn Féin are expected to sign a memorandum calling on Westminster to prepare for constitutional change in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Rhun ap Iorwerth, John Swinney and Michelle O’Neill are due to sign the document at a summit in Cardiff. They are attending as party leaders rather than as officials representing their devolved governments, alongside Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald.
According to The Guardian, the memorandum is expected to call for Westminster to “prepare, plan and facilitate” constitutional change and recognise the right to self-determination. Its exact wording and practical consequences have not been provided, and it would not authorise independence referendums.
The summit is also due to cover Europe, international cooperation, the economy and energy. The meeting follows Plaid Cymru’s victory in May’s Senedd elections, which the report says left separatist parties in government across all three nations.
The gathering comes amid disagreement over the scope of devolution. The report says Prime Minister Andy Burnham supports devolving power and resources within England but has reiterated that another Scottish independence referendum remains off limits under current conditions.
Polling cited by The Guardian indicates that 47% of Scottish voters, 36% in Northern Ireland and 32% in Wales would support independence if referendums were held immediately. The polling sources, dates and methodologies were not specified.
