Scotland, Wales, NI Leaders Demand Breakup Referendums
Scotland, Wales, NI Leaders Demand Breakup Referendums
The News
The nationalist leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are set to meet in Cardiff on Monday and sign a joint declaration demanding the right to self-determination — and the right to hold independence referendums.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney of the SNP, Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth are the three principals, according to reports published Sunday.
The Daily Mail labeled the gathering a "separatist summit" with "eyes on breaking up the UK." The Jerusalem Post reported ministers are expected to sign the joint declaration at the Cardiff meeting.
Why Americans Should Care
The United Kingdom is Washington's closest military and intelligence ally. A coordinated push by three of its four nations for referendums on leaving puts the future shape of that ally on the table.
Timeline
Reports emerge that the three nationalist leaders will meet in Cardiff and sign a joint declaration demanding self-determination and the right to hold independence referendums.
Swinney, O'Neill and ap Iorwerth are due to meet in Cardiff, per The Independent.
Reactions
The Independent reported that an independence referendum is "not off the table" as the three leaders prepare to meet — a line pointed squarely at the UK government, which controls whether a legal referendum can be held.
The Daily Mail's framing was blunter, casting the Cardiff meeting as a "separatist summit" aimed at breaking up the United Kingdom.
The Jerusalem Post reported the summit's purpose in plainer terms: ministers signing a declaration demanding the right to self-determination and to be allowed to hold independence votes.
What's Next
The Cardiff summit takes place Monday. Watch for the text of the joint declaration itself — whether it sets a demanded timeline for referendums, and how London responds to a demand it has repeatedly refused in Scotland's case.
More
The three parties involved are the governing or leading nationalist forces in their nations: the SNP in Scotland, Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland and Plaid Cymru in Wales. Each wants a different end state — Scottish independence, Irish reunification and Welsh independence — but all three are demanding the same thing in Cardiff: the power to put the question to voters.
Poll
Should the UK government allow new independence referendums?
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